“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Collect:
Almighty ever-living God,
who in the Nativity of your Son
established the beginning and fulfillment of all religion,
grant, we pray, that we may be numbered
among those who belong to him,
in whom is the fullness of human salvation.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
né God, for ever and ever. *
Today’s Readings - Lectionary # 202
Daily Meditation:
And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 1 John 2:28
John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.“John 1:26
Jesus baptizes us the the Holy Spirit. All that has prepared us for his coming
give witness to his presence with us now.
May we remain in the one who has come to be with us.
May we place our trust in the one who promises us life.
Intercessions:
Let us direct our prayers to Christ,
the heavenly man and the new Adam,
who became a life-giving spirit:
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, Sun of Justice, you revealed your glory in our human nature
in order to bring to perfection the old covenant,
- we ask you to pour out your light upon us.
Christ, you were glorified by the angels, announced by the shepherds,
confessed and proclaimed by Simeon and Anna,
- let your Gospel be accepted by the people of the promise.
Christ, when you were born,
angels sang glory to God in the highest and peace on earth,
- we ask you to spread your peace throughout the world.
Christ, as the new Adam you gave new life to the old man
and prepared for us a dwelling place in your kingdom,
- may those overwhelmed by evil be encouraged by hope in you.
Closing Prayer:
I beg you, Lord, give me the sight I need
so that I can see you in those around me
and welcome you into my heart
with the joy of celebration.
If only my eyes could be opened!
Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see
and I will recognize you as my savior
not only in my heart today
but in my life every day.
I ask that you help me to open my heart more fully
to your own dizzying love for me.
Help me to be grateful for your incredible gifts to me.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.