An Advent Collect

The needs are great. But God is greater. Entrusting all unto His care, I hope you will join me in praying . . .

For Louise and Neil, battling cancer, and for all who suffer with chronic health issues.

For Paul, Elise, and Jim, seeking employment.

For Zoe and Max, little ones who have been through more in their young lives than most of us will in a lifetime.

For all who are burdened by sadness and depression.

For those who live alone.

For the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, that as a church body it might return to the proclamation of Law and Gospel as its one and only raison d'etre.

For the United States of America, that it might remain safe from terrorism and foreign threats and that it might return to being a nation where the life and liberty of individual citizens is unfailingly respected and protected.

For the pastors and musicians whose lives become more hectic at this time of year as they provide worship services designed to enable the rest of us to slow down and hear and reflect upon God's word, that they might also have the quiet time and ability to worship and prepare.

For marriage and family, that husbands and wives, parents and children live in ordered harmony according to the Word of God. (From the LSB Daily Prayer Card.)

For my friend Kim, a single mom who works at Macy's and who during this shopping season wakes up at 3:30 each morning so that she can get to work by 5:00 a.m., who works one 12-hour day after another, and who still comes to Advent worship and choir practice before returning home to (one hopes) fall into bed for 4-5 hours of sleep before starting all over again.

For my friend Molly, an elementary music teacher and breast cancer survivor who had a heart attack last Sunday and is now recuperating at home. Molly was not feeling well Sunday, but not realizing that she was having a heart attack, nevertheless attended a community children's choir concert because so many of her former students were going to be performing. After leaving the concert several times due to her increasing physical discomfort, she finally realized this was more than a virus and called her doctor, who promptly told her to get to the ER.

For those grieving the loss of loved ones.

For all weighed down by sin, that they might repent and come to know the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding.

Amen.