Liturgy Alive Thursday, 2nd Week of Advent
Thursday, 2nd Week Of Advent
GOD SAVES THE POOR
Introduction
It is heartening to hear these days a strong and repeated message of encou-ragement. This is what we believe in if we trust in the nearness of God in his Son, Jesus Christ. When people are poor and afflicted, God is near as their Savior, that is, one who is bound to them with close bonds and who is bound to come to their assistance. The poor are those who trust in him. He promises them a new paradise. Even the least in his kingdom are greater than the greatest and last of the prophets, John the Baptist.
Opening Prayer
Lord, our God,
you do not abandon those who rely on you.
Take us by the hand when we are afraid,
help us when we call out to you,
for we experience that we are powerless
to establish your kingdom of justice and love.
Send your Son again among us today
to be our Lord and Savior,
now and for ever.
General Intercessions
- For the fainthearted, who think they are too small for God to notice them, that they may become aware that God, like a good father and mother, cares very much for them, we pray:
- For the powerful and the rich, that they may be sensitive to the rights and the needs of the poor, we pray:
- For prophets among us, that they may remind us that we have to speak out and stand up for the voiceless and the oppressed, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord God, we bring before you
these humble gifts of bread and wine.
In these signs of sharing,
may your Son become present among us
and may he give us the courage
to take your kingdom by storm,
that we who are powerless and easily discouraged
may commit ourselves with him,
to bring hope to the poor.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord, our God and Father,
we are the new people of your promises.
May we be humble enough
not to seek our selfish and obstinate ways
but to be open to you and to trust in you.
Remember that we are yours
and that we are entitled to your help.
For you love us in Jesus Christ, your Son,
who is our Lord, now and for ever.
Blessing
To us, too, God speaks today: "I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and I say to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" May you be aware of God's care and may he bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
