First Sunday of Advent B

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

The gospel for the day
Commentary on the readings
Some optional questions for reflection
Prayers of Intercession
Cluster Prayer
The gospel of the week ahead with questions

Mark 13: 33-37 Stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us. cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Being a missionary disciple is something we do NOW as we go about our daily business.

We are not waiting for the Master as such.

In this way we are always ready for his coming - morning, noon or night.

At the end of each day it's good to reflect on our attempts to be Christian witnesses.
Share something you've discovered with your connect group or a confidant.
How do you know when you’re following Christ and living his teachings faithfully? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

Today on the first Sunday of Advent, let us join together with faith communities around the world and stay awake to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in these challenging times, and respond with the Advent hope, “Come Lord Jesus, come”. Let us pray

For today’s negotiations at Cop28 in Dubai. May the leaders dare to look at global health and peace and decide in favour of those who are suffering as a result of climate injustice.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

For the Pope whose message will be read at COP28, that he will be given the courage to speak from his heart and that his words will be heeded.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

For the land that is called “holy”. May countries in the West be awake to the need for a just and peaceful future for all Palestinians and Israelis who belong to this troubled land.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

For everyone in our world suffering as a result of conflict, brutality and poverty. May world leaders be inspired to have a vision of hope in the midst of despair and peace in the midst of violence and so work together to bring justice, equality and healing to all peoples of the world.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

For ourselves that, during this time of Advent, we will be renewed in faith and hope and allow God to mould us into becoming instruments of grace, in reflecting God’s universal love for everyone.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

For all in our community who are unwell in any way and those named on the Prayer Foundation List. May the healing power of Christ surround them in their suffering and may they receive comfort through the compassion of those who care for them.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

For those who have died and we remember in particular……………..

May they know the peace and joy of eternal life and may those struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, experience God’s love, giving them the strength they need to cope.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples

Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN

Preparing for next week - Second Sunday of Advent B

Mark 1: 1-8 A voice cries in the wilderness: prepare a way for the Lord

The beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah:
Look, I am going to send my messenger before you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice cries in the wilderness:
Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.
and so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and wild honey. In the course of his preaching he said, ‘Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Can you remember preparing for the birth of your child (or of helping someone with that event)?

There were so many things to do - sometimes there never seemed to be enough time...

Advent is now - and now is the time to think about how best to prepare.

Go along to the SEECAT Advent Sessions taking place in our cluster - and take along a pal or two.
With whom could you be more patient this week, as God has been patient with you? *