Holy Spirit School

#29 Ilang-Ilang Road, Cubao, Quezon City

Prayer Service – 2nd Week of Advent
December 11, 2023

INTRODUCTION
Today we lit two candles for the second week of Advent. The second candle symbolizes “love”. It
also symbolizes our longing, our desire, and our hope. Remember the three "advents" or "comings"?
We want to recall that Jesus came in the past to save us from our sin and death. We want to experience
his coming to us now, in our everyday lives. And we want to prepare for his coming to meet us at the
end of our lives on this earth.
When we woke up, each day this past week, did we light that candle in our hearts…taking a few
moments to focus on God…thanking him for today and for sending his Son? Let’s continue to try that
this coming week.
OPENING SONG: Advent Song
GOSPEL READING Luke 5:17-26
A reading from the holy Gospel of Luke.
ALL: Glory to You, O Lord.
One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every
village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there, and the power of the Lord was with him
for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring
him in and set him in his presence.But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went
up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When
Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Then the scribes and Pharisees
began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive
sins?”Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which
is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son
of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” he said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise,
pick up your stretcher, and go home.”He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had
been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified
God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

ALL: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION
It is easy for us to judge others easily, but we have to remind ourselves that no one is perfect in
this world, except God. Forgiving someone is a hard thing to do, but if Jesus can forgive us then
shouldn’t we be also willing to forgive a person who hurt us? Forgiving is essential as it helps us grow
as a person living in God. Having faith is an important ingredient in healing. In relation to the gospel, let
us ask ourselves, “Am I willing to help other people who are sick without asking for anything in return
just like what these men did?” As we face our daily struggles, let us remember that God is bigger than
our problems and that He will help us overcome them.
LIGHTING OF THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE
Lord, as we light the second Advent candle, we pray that You open our hearts in welcome.
Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and
become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, forever and ever.Amen.
INTERCESSIONS
The Lord Jesus has called us to watch for the day of his return. As we enter this season of
Advent, let us come to the Father in prayer, watching and waiting for his beloved Son.
Let our response be:
Come! Lord Jesus, Come!

1. For the Church, may this season of Advent help us find ways to be light for the world, to bring
unity and healing within and among nations, and to promote peace. We pray. (R)
2. For a greater awareness among world leaders of how governments can work to encourage the
common good; to eradicate prejudice, violence, poverty and injustice; and to know the power of
humility and patience. We pray. (R)
3. For those who are afraid and suffering, may the memories and beauty of this season restore
hope and lead them closer to God’s constant love and warmth. We pray. (R)
4. For all who spend time waiting in hope — expectant parents, the unemployed, hospital and
nursing home patients, prisoners, immigrants, refugees, the addicted and terminally ill; anyone
who lives in constant expectation or anxiety, may their waiting be blessed with joy and
possibility.We pray. (R)
5. For all of us gathered, help us to remember the meaning and significance of Advent in our lives.
Help us to be a people of hope to others especially to the lost, least and last. We pray. (R)
6. Let us pause for a moment for our personal intentions. (R)

CLOSING PRAYER
Christ, the light of all who love you, help us to get ready for your birthday by preparing a room for you in
our hearts. Let no selfishness darken our homes. Let no ill feelings spoil our fun. Draw us closer
together by showing us the way to love you and others. Amen.

SIGN OF THE CROSS

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PANUNUMPA SA KATAPATAN NG WATAWAT

HSS HYMN

MORNING EXERCISE