Prayer of the Day

God of all ages,
Your servants Anna and Simeon recognized your salvation in the face of the infant Jesus. May we also see in him the pathway to forgiveness and the fulfillment of all your promises, by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

L:      We pray for the church, the world, and all those in need, saying “Nurturing God,” and responding “Hear our prayer.”

A brief silence.

L:      Gracious God, even as a child Jesus was a pure channel for the Spirit of truth. Teach us to recognize the wisdom of children and their innocent connection with their creator and their world. Nurturing God,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      At the beginning of this new year, renew our spirits and cleanse us of all we wish to leave behind. Keep us looking and moving forward in faith. Nurturing God,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      You love all creation as your own offspring: the works of your hands given life by the breath of your spirit. May we likewise come to love this created world. Nurturing God,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      Comfort all parents who have lost children, through abduction, estrangement or death, and assure them that you have never abandoned them or their loved ones. Tend to the sick in body, mind and spirit, especially those whom we name before you... Nurturing God,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      You hold in your arms all who have passed into the next life and sought your eternal reward. Bless them and all whom they have left behind on earth, that we might be assured of our eventual reunion with you in your heavenly home. Nurturing God,

C:      Hear our prayer.

Here other petitions may be offered.

L:      Our eyes await the fulfillment of your promises, the answer to our prayers: your Son, our Lord, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Adapted from Clergy Stuff Resources 2021