“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. For the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together. ”
COLLECT: Merciful God, you sent your messengers, the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Prayer In Seeking an Archbishop for this Diocese:
It has been announced by Bishop Cameron Venable, Bishop Administrator of the Diocese of Brisbane, that Bishop Jeremy Greaves has been elected as the next Archbishop of Brisbane. He will commence his role as Archbishop in December 2023.
Prayer:
Loving God, bless Jeremy, now called to be Archbishop of Brisbane; fill him with your truth, and clothe him with holiness, that he may preach your word, and care for your people; give him compassion and wisdom, sustain him with your Spirit and inspire him with vision. We also pray for Jeremey’s family: his wife Josie, and his children: Kate, Hannah, and Thomas. We ask in the name of the one who calls, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Ukraine: God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell: Archbishop of York.
Today’s Bible Readings
Advent II (Second Sunday In Advent)
Old Testament Reading : Isaiah 40: 1-11
Psalm: 85: 1-2, 8-13 (page 311 A.B.P.A.)
New Testament Reading: 2 Peter 3: 8-15a
Gospel: Mark 1: 1-8
Prayers
For The World: God our refuge and strength, you have bound humanity together in a common life: help the people of this world, in the midst of present conflicts, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect. We continue to pray for the war between Russia and Ukraine. And for the war between Palestine and Israel. We pray for other conflicts between nations that goes unreported. Take away prejudice, cruelty and revenge. Grant that barriers which divide may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease.
Our Country: As we gave thanks for the rains last week, this week we pray for all those suffering through the heat wave at this time. For those people unable to cope with the severe heat.
World Wide Anglican Community: The Anglican Church of Australia, Archbishop Geoff Smith, all archbishops, bishops, clergy and people.
The Anglican Church of Australia: Our Diocese of Brisbane: Archbishop-elect - Jeremy Greaves, assistant bishops, clergy and people.
Our Diocese: For Archbishop-elect Jeremy Greaves to be installed as Archbishop of Brisbane on Saturday. We pray for his wife Josie and their children as they begin this journey in their lives.
Our Diocesan Schools: for all principals, administration staff, chaplains, school councils, teachers, students, and families as they commence their end of year vacation.
Defence Force Anglicans: We pray for the full-time and part-time chaplains of the Royal Australian Navy. We pray for the chaplains on overseas deployment and separated from their loved ones at this time.
Other Denominations Within Our Community: The Lutheran Church of Redcliffe and the Margate Baptist Church: for the pastors and congregations of those denominations.
Our Community: We pray for the various groups and organisations that we may belong to as they hold their meetings for the final time this year. For the end of year celebrations that may be conducted within the groups we are a part of.
Our Parish: We pray for the members of the Parish Council as they meet for the final time this year. We give thanks for their decisions and discernments in leading this parish this past year, and we pray for the Council as they prepare a Budget for next year (2024).
Those Seeking Healing: Anita, Iris, Kevin, Narelle, Michael.
We pray for the relief of suffering of innocent victims of war, that they may have peace of mind, and healing of body and soul.
Those Mourning: For those who mourn the death of loved ones at this time.
Departed:
Years Minds: Jessie Jenkins (10/21) Ian Woolford 12/19) Stan Hoyes (13/09)
Next Week’s Bible Readings
Advent III (Third Sunday in Advent)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11
Psalm: 126 (page 362 A.B.P.A.)
New Testament Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-28
Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28