An Advent Prayer

Most people feel the need to pray about tragedies like Aleppo, but we struggle to find the words. So here's a simple prayer, rooted in Isiah ch.9 and the ancient advent tradition of waiting, lamenting, and longing for Christ's return.

As this tumulus year draws to a close, let us draw near to God using one of the oldest and simplest prayers of the church. The Aramaic phrase "maranâ thâ" is both a credal declaration, "The Lord has come", and an urgent prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus."

WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR,give greater wisdom to those in authority over us. Comfort those who are most vulnerable in our world: countless orphaned children, grieving parents, the sick and dispossessed. With all our hearts we pray:
maranâ thâ. Come, Lord Jesus.

MIGHTY GOD, come to Aleppo. Let the cease-fire hold. Let peace prevail. Stretch out your strong right arm and intervene throughout Syria and Iraq, in Yemen, Afghanistan and Nigeria. With all our hearts we pray:
maranâ thâ. Come, Lord Jesus.

EVERLASTING FATHER, you so loved the world that you gave your only son. Send him back to us soon. Father the fatherless. Welcome the prodigals. With all our hearts we pray:
maranâ thâ. Come, Lord Jesus.

PRINCE OF PEACE, come again to our war-torn world. Reconcile and restore nations. Heal marriages. Renew hope, even in the refugee camps of Lebanon and Greece. With all our hearts we pray:
maranâ thâ. Come, Lord Jesus.

EMMANUEL, come to us and through us to the sick, the elderly lonely, those in prison, and those for whom there is a particularly painful time of the year. With all our hearts we pray:
maranâ thâ. Come, Lord Jesus.

LORD JESUS, you have proven yourself to be a Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Come again to our grieving world. With all our hearts we pray.
maranâ thâ. Come, Lord Jesus.

Credit to Pete Greig and 24/7 for this amazing prayer!
Thank you for joining us this year in praying for the Near East!