The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Candlemass)

Taken from/inspired by Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55; Psalm 80: 1-7; Luke 1:39-45; Hebrews 10:5-10, and the ANZPB

Bidding: Hear [our] prayer, Lord God Almighty;
Response: listen to [us], God of Jacob.

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
[Malachi 3:1] Let us pray.

Because [you] suffered when [you were] tempted, [you are] able to help those who are being tempted. [Hebrews 2:18]

We pray you’d strengthen our communities, Lord. Direct us beyond ourselves and build us up in faith, hope, and love.

[silence]

Bidding: Hear our prayer, Lord God Almighty;
Response: Listen to us, God of Jacob.

Merciful, faithful High Priest, refine your church like gold and silver. Remind us of your purposes and lead us in your Way.

[silence]

Bidding: Restore us, O God;
Response: Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
[Hebrews 2: 14-15]

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. We pray that your justice and peace would reign, defying the powers of darkness.

[silence]

Bidding: Hear our prayer, Lord God Almighty;
Response: Listen to us, God of Jacob.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favour and honour;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you. [Psalm 84: 10-12]

Ever living God, your Son Jesus Christ was presented as a child in the temple to be the hope of your people; grant us pure hearts and minds that we may be transformed into his likeness, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever.

Amen.