Advent Prayer

Art by Stephen W. Hiemstra

Compassionate and Merciful Lord,

We approach your throne of grace with heavy hearts,

confident that the Christ child will soon arrive and

equally confident that we will not be ready.

Have mercy on us.

Forgive our sins this year,

sins knowing committed,

sins committed in your full view,

though we cannot forgive ourselves so easily.

Have mercy on us.

Open our hearts none the less,

to those less fortunate than us,

to those whose children may be hungry,

to those that may not yet be our neighbors.

Have mercy on us.

Prepare us for the arrival of your son,

yet a child,

yet unwanted,

yet unknown to the world.

Through the power of your Holy Spirit, heal our wounds,

visible and hidden,

that joy might return,

when you come.

In Jesus precious name, Amen.