Sunday 5th of January 2025

2nd Sunday of Christmas

 Taken from/inspired by Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7,10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Ephesians 3:1-12, and the ANZPB

Bidding: Lord, hear us;

Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” [Matthew 2:1-2]

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus,
We lift up our communities;
Bless our families and friends
and show us where our circles could grow.

May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
    like showers watering the earth.
 In his days may the righteous flourish
    and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
[Psalm 72: 6-7]

[silence]

Bidding: Lord, hear us;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms…
[Ephesians 3:10]

We pray for your church.
Keep us from taking your message for granted;
Direct us by your light,
and fill your people with courage. 

…according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.[Ephesians 3:11-12]

[silence]

Bidding: Lord, hear us;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation:
May justice be done in your name;
direct our leaders,
redeem the oppressed,
and renew creation:

…he will deliver the needy who cry out,
    the afflicted who have no one to help.
 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
    and save the needy from death.
 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
    for precious is their blood in his sight. [Psalm 72:12-13]


[silence]

Bidding: Lord, hear us;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer. 

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
 See, darkness covers the earth
    and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
    and his glory appears over you.
 Nations will come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn. [Isaiah 60:1-3]

Jesus, light of the world,
let your bright star stand over the place
where the poor have to live;
lead our sages to wisdom
and our rulers to reverence.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.

Amen.