​“In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

​Living God, you called your people out of Egypt and gave them the covenant; prepare our hearts to hear your call, so that we may receive with joy the gospel of your Son and be your faithful people, now and forever. Amen. 

“ And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness….Only the Redeemed will walk there…They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.” Isaiah 35:8 10 

Terror and doom, and wrath to come, John your herald preached to bring us to repentance; open our eyes, almighty God, show us our sin, and grant us forgiveness. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.

“I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He is much greater than I am; and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals.”  Matthew 3:11

Almighty God, you sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son; 
grant that those who proclaim your word may so guide our feet into the way of peace, that we may stand with confidence before him when he comes in his glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer. Amen.