Universal Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A

Sunday and Feast Day Universal Prayers 
  

Suggestions for Leading Worship

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SAMPLE UNIVERSAL PRAYERS

Universal Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A

December 20-21, 2025

Priest:  The coming of Christ assures us that God is always with us.  Let us lift our prayers to our ever-present Lord:

Deacon (or other reader if there is no deacon):

·        For the Church, that she may answer with conviction our call to be apostles of Jesus Christ and to bear his message to the world; we pray to the Lord…

·        For all those traveling during this holiday season, that they may arrive at their destinations safely and enjoy the warm fellowship of family and friends; we pray to the Lord…

·        For those experiencing loss during the holidays, that the sadness they feel may be overpowered by joyful hope in the God who saves us; we pray to the Lord…

·        For those who struggle with faith, that they may recognize the signs in their lives that God is always with them, and that they may open their hearts to receive Emmanuel; we pray to the Lord…

·        For those suffering illness or injury, that they may be made whole by the healing power of our Savior; we pray to the Lord…

·        For all who have died, especially [add deceased names or “parishioners of” (add name)], and the intentions of this mass [add mass intentions], may they dwell secure with the Lord forever, we pray to the Lord...

·        In silence, we pray for own needs and the special intentions of others, to the God who promises to return for those who live in his love… [pause; the presider alone concludes…]

Priest:  Almighty God, you, who are the King of the Universe, chose to take flesh in the womb of a poor virgin woman and thereby came to dwell among your people as one of us.   Hear the prayers of your children who cry out to you for healing and deliverance.  Through Christ our Lod.  Amen.  

LITURGY NEWS AND NOTES:

Universal Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A

December 20-21, 2025

1.       A sample penitential act could be:

Lord Jesus, you are Emmanuel, the Son of God; Lord have mercy. Christ Jesus, you came to save your people from their sins; Christ have mercy.   Lord Jesus, you took on flesh to dwell among us; Lord, have mercy.

2.     The prayers are from the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  

3.     Continue to use the same form of the PA throughout Advent.

4.    The Gloria is not sung or said; the creed is prayed.

5.     Use an Advent collect to conclude the UP.

6.    P-II of Advent is used.

7.     You might use EPR-III and the SB #1 for Advent. 

8.    Winter solstice is 12/21.

9.    Christmas Ever is 12/24 and Christmas Day is 12/25. 

Merry Christmas!