LEADER: Let us rejoice always and never cease praying.
ALL: Give constant thanks and never stifle the Spirit.
LEADER: May we test everything and retain what is good.
ALL: Let us walk toward home with those in exile and rebuild with those in ruin.
LEADER: Help us heal the brokenhearted among us.
ALL: Forgiving God, we want to play our part in the unfinished mystery of creation and salvation. May you preserve us whole and irreproachable until the final coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
HYMN: O Come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lowly exile here
until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.