Storytelling G-o-d,
who speaks to us in myths and legends and parables,
teach us to find ourselves in those stories 
and to grow through them.

Touch our hearts with the wonder of your images
so we can see ourselves more clearly
in our fullness and complexity.

Strengthen us and nurture us.
Grant us the excitement and joy 
that bubbles in those who are your gifts to a tired world.
(Silence)

Let us share our prayers and thoughts for others...
For the world,
for all places of confllict and strife...

For all people,
for the persecuted and for those without food...
For all people who live without dignity,
for all who have no hope...

For all who suffer,
for the sick in body or spirit...
For the sad, the lonely,
and for all who mourn...
(Silence)

Staying alert requires stamina, 
energy,
focus,
commitment and
flexibilty.

Those who have awaited the birth of a child
also know the agony and the ecstacy of
yearning, longing and pain.

Those who have stayed awake with a dying parent or spouse,
or heard the stories of domestic violence and sexual abuse
know the difficulty of dealing with
the range of emotions aroused from within.

Stir us to stay awake during Advent
as we go forth in joyful expectation and hope
seeking to experience God’s presentness in the ordinary.

This is our prayer.
Amen.