Taize, France
Opening Prayer Lord Jesus come, and soften our hearts, which have become hard. Refresh us as we are weary from the struggles of this life. In this Season of Advent deliver us from our fear, guilt and loneliness and let hope arise as we experience your Presence with us now, and await your final coming again. Amen -A2J Community (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD -Isaiah 11:1-3 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Hymn: Come Thou long Expected Jesus (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Coming of Jesus In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. -John 1:1-9 (Think deeply on the life of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You. -Psalm 6:1 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord our God, help us prepare for the coming of Christ Your Son. May He find us waiting, eager in joyful prayer. -Liturgy of the Hours 
Gozo, Malta
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