Prayers of the People, Advent 1, Year A

​Where are you, O Lord?
We are busy making lives for ourselves,
eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
having children and growing old,
and we have forgotten to keep watch.
Is the time for your return near?
The wait for your reign has become
interminable,
and we are drunk with self-perceived power.
Humble our hearts, we pray,
and open our eyes to your presence in our midst.
Help us to hear your instruction
to worship you in spirit and in truth,
to love you with all our hearts and minds and souls
and strength,
to love our neighbor as ourselves,
to love our enemy,
to honor our parents,
to welcome the stranger
and care for the orphan
and widow,
to visit the imprisoned
and secure justice for the oppressed
and heal the sick,
and help us to follow
that we might not only be ready,
but might also help to usher in your rule
on earth as it is in heaven.