From my book More Selected Prayers for Public Worship, a prayer asking God to prepare our hearts this Advent to make him more fully a part of our life and celebrations.
Lord Jesus Christ,
promised of old,
foretold by prophets,
long awaited by your people,
prepare a way in our hearts
so that you may more fully enter in.
Saviour Christ,
rejected and despised,
nailed to a cross and sealed in a tomb,
break down the barriers of doubt and disbelief that keep us from you –
the faults and failings that deny your love and obstruct your purpose.
Risen Christ,
here through your Spirit,
here by our side,
fill us with your love,
redeem us by your grace
and renew us by your power.
Sovereign Christ,
coming to redeem your people,
to reign in glory and to welcome us into your kingdom,
make your path straight within us,
so that, consecrated to your service,
we in turn may help to prepare your way in the lives of others.
Amen