Advent Evening Prayer – December 8, 2021 The Order of Worship at 7:00 pm We continue to monitor the latest information regarding the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We continue to exercise the same care that has protected us through the past year: limiting the size of indoor gatherings, the duration of the service, and providing safe seating. At the same time, we will continue to stream our services live for those who cannot be present. At this time, we ask that face coverings be worn at all times while on the Redeemer property, regardless of vaccination status. Please use the links available on the viewing page to let us know that you are worshiping with us, to submit any prayer requests, to let us know if you need help or are available to help a neighbor, and to continue giving financially to support the ongoing ministries of Redeemer. As always, we pray that worship at Redeemer is a blessing for you, even as your participation blesses us, whether we gathering in the name of Christ in-person or online. As you are comfortable, we encourage you to sing the hymns and to sing or speak the congregational portions of the liturgy in bold type. This bulletin contains content protected by copyright and is provided only for you to participate in worship. Please delete or destroy any physical or digital copy of the material following the service.
SERVICE OF LIGHT – Procession
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Evening Hymn
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Evening Thanksgiving
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PSALM
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The Reading: Luke 1:67-79 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Homily
Advent Gospel Canticle -- Zechariah's Benedictus
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Pastor Ron Bonner
Prayers of Intercession: Holy God, in this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places as your creation yearns for your presence. God of presence and peace, strengthen your church around the globe to proclaim the message of your love coming to the world. Open our hearts to recognize your face in all people and in all of creation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of mighty redwoods, pine trees, oaks, and microscopic plants, fields, farms, and city parks, of light and darkness, of the wind and the waves, be a healing balm to our wounded world. May we nurture what you have lovingly created. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of equity and compassion, bring righteousness and goodness to all peoples of the earth. Give a heart of discernment and integrity to religious, political, business, and civic leaders in our communities Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of comfort and care, be present with those who watch and wait. Come to all who await births, deaths, divorces, new unions, new jobs, retirements, healing, resettlement, and life transitions of every kind (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of promises kept and new dreams awakened, shelter your people from destructive storms and sin. We pray for those whose lives have been upended by natural disasters (especially), for the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran World Relief, Inspiritus, and other relief organizations. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Here other intercessions may be offered. God of companionship and community, we give you thanks for the saints who journeyed with us and now abide in you. Even in distress and uncertainty, make us confident that your promises endure forever. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of new life in Christ, you come among us in the places we least expect. Receive these prayers and those of our hearts, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Lord’s Prayer
Blessing
Musicians Sarah Hawbecker, organ
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