Some “mentions” this newsletter daythat are ways for us all, in some cases, to have cause for celebration, and inothers, cause for prayer.

The recent cold snap across thecountry has caused a severe stream of those unable to get out of their homes,in some cases their caregivers and the social services that care for them. Thecold has also affected those who often sleep on the streets in every rural orurban area. Victoria and Vancouver are not used to nor equipped for longer termcold periods.

Please pray for all concerned,especially First Baptist Vancouver and Grandview Calvary, Vancouver, who oftenhouse homeless folk overnight. Grandview Calvary in Vancouver has had seriousdamage resulting from a truck ploughing into their building last Saturday.Please pray for the seriously injured driver and the church as it assesses thedamage and the challenge to ministry over Christmas and beyond.

Warmly,

In Christ,

Jeremy Bell

Advent 2: The Godwho Speaks

God’s revelation in thescripture. Thanksgiving for the Bible and confession for taking it for granted.Prayers for scholars, translators, preachers, and publishers.

Deuteronomy 6.4–7; 30.11–15;Psalms 119.97–98, 103–105; Isaiah 40.6–8;55.6, 9–11; John 1.1–5; 2 Timothy3.16–17; Hebrews 4.12–13.

Intercession

God of revelation,

we thank you that you are not a silentGod,

isolated from humanity,

leaving us to guess and speculate

about the things that matter.

We pray for those who serve you

by studying manuscripts and clarifyingtexts;

for scholars and preachers

who wrestle with the words of life

for the building up of your Church;

for linguists, translators, andpublishers

who continue to serve the cause of yourgospel

by making the Bible available to more

and more people.

Lord, create in us a hunger for yourword,

a thankfulness for your gospel,

and a faithfulness to your commands;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A Prayer forHelp

God of eternity,

when the voice of the prophet was silent

and the faith of your people low;

when darkness had obscured light

and indifference displaced zeal:

you saw that the time was right,

and prepared to send your Son.

Set us free from fear and faithlessness

that we may be ready to welcome him

who comes as Saviourand Lord.