This week, until 27 December, you can purchase Prayers for All Seasons (book 1) from Kevin Mayhew Ltd at a 10 per cent discount, using the code ALLSEASONS10 when ordering the title from the company’s website. With the book normally retailing at £27.99, that’s a saving of £2.80. Just type the code into the relevant box at the online checkout between the dates given.
Here, meanwhile, is the third of the prayers I’ll be posting this week from the book, to run alongside this promotion.
ADVENT INTERCESSION
Lord Jesus Christ,
at this time supposedly of goodwill among all,
we pray for peace in our world –
an end to division and discord,
hatred and hostility,
death and destruction.
Prince of Peace,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus,
we speak of peace
but in our hearts we do not believe it possible.
When we look at our world
we see little hope of an end to its troubles.
We are sceptical,
uncertain,
filled with doubts,
cautious about expressing any optimism.
Even where there are signs of hope,
moves towards reconciliation,
we know it will take many years
before we dare believe it is really possible.
But, we pray in this Advent season,
renew our ability to look forward,
rekindle our belief in the future,
and restore our capacity to hope for better things.
Prince of Peace,
hear our prayer.
Help us –
as we remember your coming,
as we serve you now,
and as we look forward to your coming again –
to anticipate your kingdom
through the service we offer and the lives we live.
Prince of Peace,
hear our prayer.
Teach us to work for that day
when your throne shall be established,
your justice prevail,
and the earth be filled with the knowledge of you
as the waters cover the sea.
Prince of Peace,
hear our prayer.
For your name’s sake.
Amen.