FROM DECEMBER 2022 INTERCESSION PAPER
FROM DECEMBER 2022 INTERCESSION PAPER
In Advent we light candles as a stay against the night. And with these lights we are reminded that each day is a day to be fully lived, to be received as gift, as Mary received the Holy Spirit.
JOIN US IN PRAYER
Every month Companions receive a small booklet in the mail, the Intercession Paper. Day by day, we turn its pages, praying with our Companions. The prayers concern needs big and small, thanksgivings, and the aims of the Society. Each day of the week has a theme.
In this monthly feature of our blog, we select some prayers from this month’s IP, as it is called. If you’re so inclined, please join Companions in reaching out in love through prayer.
DECEMBER 2022, Intercession Paper, Selected Prayers
ON THE COVER
Awaken us, God, so that we who proclaim our hope in your coming may prepare the way in our hearts and in our work. Remind us that we are called to be saints—imperfect, but on fire with your love. Help us to be patient and uncomplaining, seeking your grace and wonder in the world. Strengthen us so we may walk boldly in your light, sharing your peace, joy, and justice with all our kin in creation.
Deb Baker, SCHC
New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter
THANKSGIVING: SUNDAY AND EVERY DAY
Thanksgiving for women all over the world birthing new visions: true climate justice, an end to violence against women and girls; interconnected circles of healing, hope, and possibility. Thanksgiving for women who birth and nurture the Christ each day in our world.
MONDAY: SIMPLICITY OF LIFE
Holy Wisdom, help me to realize that as I fill my walls and shelves with beautiful objects in reaction to grief, to illness, I also create impediments to a plain path for the Christ child to enter my home and heart. For your mercy’s sake, redirect my senses away from earthly treasures to God’s eternal hand and hope.
Sharon Klander, SCHC
Texas Chapter
TUESDAY: UNITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE
“Love one another as I have loved you.” That’s what the unity of all God’s people is all about. But I didn’t know it would hurt this much, Jesus. I can’t watch the news anymore—it breaks my heart. The more I love, the more I hurt. Is this what beloved community is all about? Give me strength to live your way of love!
Trish Hanna, SCHC
Ohio/Kentucky Chapter
WEDNESDAY: SOCIAL JUSTICE
In Advent we light candles as a stay against the night. And with these lights we are reminded that each day is a day to be fully lived, to be received as gift, as Mary received the Holy Spirit. Each day is a day to be fully present to every moment. Each moment, pregnant with possibility and life. Each day is a day to bring God into the world.
Anne Ritchings, SCHC
Philadelphia Chapter
THURSDAY: PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
Come as the Star
That shines at morning.
Come to the souls in darkness, wandering,
Far from hope of heaven.
Come, and with thy great power, freedom bring
To all the people.
O Come, Emmanuel,
Saviour, Redeemer, Lord, Creator,
All Thy world in wonder waits.
Janet Barton Morgan, SCHC 1950-1997
“Veni, Emmanuel,” Christmas 1957
FRIDAY: GROWTH IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
All these years we have broken our journey
Here always at the dark end of the year.
Have come to this hillside town and the cave,
To the manger holding the Child.
Seized at last by grace of insight,
We come in penitence and joy.
Christ has come and come forever
To dwell in human hearts.
His time—God’s time—is now.
Margaret M. Sheets, SCHC 1954-1997
“Alleluia,” Advent III, 1992
SATURDAY: PRAYERS PERSONAL AND GENERAL
One goal we have, Dear Lord,
To be ever like You.
A simple life You led,
Mixed with simple folk.
Fishermen, farmers,
Little children,
Tax collectors,
Even women of ill repute,
All were the same to You.
Lord, I want to be like that.
Let me be the same simple self to everybody,
And may everyone be the same to me.
Rebekah Kuriyan, SCHC
India Chapter
Photo by Jonas Von Werne
