The basis of blessedness
Prayer
Contemporary Lectionary Prayers
Based Upon Cycle C Lectionary Gospels
Gospel Theme:
The basis of blessedness
Gospel Note:
This reading combines Luke's dramatic narrative of Mary's visit to Elizabeth and his lyrical ''Magnificat.'' Central to both is the affirmation, on Elizabeth's lips as well as Mary's own, of the blessedness of the mother-to-be. Noteworthy, however, is the insistence that Mary's blessedness is not inherent, but derives from God's actions toward her in the Incarnation. After all, the adjective ''blessed'' is really a passive verb form, and thus itself points to God's gracious, saving agency.
Liturgical Color:
Blue or purple
Suggested Hymns:
My Soul Now Magnifies The Lord
Savior Of The Nations, Come
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Gospel
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us
14
Advent 4
Lord God, we are about to celebrate the birth
of your son.
As we stand on the threshold of the fulfillment
of your greatest promise, we are struck by the
manner in which you accomplished your purpose.
You chose to lift up those whom the world
regarded as poor, weak and powerless.
You frustrated the efforts of those who
considered themselves to be rich, strong and
powerful.
Your ways are beyond our understanding and
often represent a reversal of the way we
would do business.
When Mary and Elizabeth were brought together
under the guidance of your Holy Spirit, they
received support and strength from one another.
We praise you for your goodness and for your
steadfast love throughout the ages. Guide us to
a deeper level of commitment to your kingdom.
Break into the fortress of our hearts and
dissolve our resistance to your will.
Free our minds from the desire to understand
everything before we act.
Open our eyes to see new ways to love you
and to serve you.
Amen.
15
The basis of blessedness
Gospel Note:
This reading combines Luke's dramatic narrative of Mary's visit to Elizabeth and his lyrical ''Magnificat.'' Central to both is the affirmation, on Elizabeth's lips as well as Mary's own, of the blessedness of the mother-to-be. Noteworthy, however, is the insistence that Mary's blessedness is not inherent, but derives from God's actions toward her in the Incarnation. After all, the adjective ''blessed'' is really a passive verb form, and thus itself points to God's gracious, saving agency.
Liturgical Color:
Blue or purple
Suggested Hymns:
My Soul Now Magnifies The Lord
Savior Of The Nations, Come
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Gospel
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us
14
Advent 4
Lord God, we are about to celebrate the birth
of your son.
As we stand on the threshold of the fulfillment
of your greatest promise, we are struck by the
manner in which you accomplished your purpose.
You chose to lift up those whom the world
regarded as poor, weak and powerless.
You frustrated the efforts of those who
considered themselves to be rich, strong and
powerful.
Your ways are beyond our understanding and
often represent a reversal of the way we
would do business.
When Mary and Elizabeth were brought together
under the guidance of your Holy Spirit, they
received support and strength from one another.
We praise you for your goodness and for your
steadfast love throughout the ages. Guide us to
a deeper level of commitment to your kingdom.
Break into the fortress of our hearts and
dissolve our resistance to your will.
Free our minds from the desire to understand
everything before we act.
Open our eyes to see new ways to love you
and to serve you.
Amen.
15
