Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

[Excerpted from December 2024 Advent Worship Planning Tools]

Igniter of the first flame, who gives oxygen to fire, who gives fig trees fruit, who gives expectant people hope, grant peace to those who wait in despair. As we celebrate joy, we know many struggle to feel your joy and peace. They struggle to find their voice in the world because they have lost the joy of singing and shouting excitedly! But you are faithful, God. You will restore joy to those who have lost it. You will bring peace to the nations and return joy to lives in despair.

Excite us anew, O God, that we might share our hope with others and work for the kind of peace that delights you. As the potter forms clay, form us into a peaceful community that embraces and exudes peace. Pump us full of oxygen again, so the peace flame may spark, grow, and spread to all this season. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“He has given us a new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).

Room for The New

Symbolically release the past:

• Blow out a breath, imagining letting go.
• Drop a stone in water, tear a paper slip, or set down what you’ve written.

This is not about erasing the past but freeing space for what’s next.
Say: “I open my hands to make room for the new.”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.