Advent litany: Dispel our fears

Advent God,
meet us as we face the darkness of our world
that we may embrace you in the shadows
and move out to greet your light.

Dispel our fears
Increase our hope

Enlighten us as we search for truth amongst the clamour of war
that we may have courage to proclaim peace
and determination to seek justice.

Dispel our fears
Increase our hope

Embolden us to cry out in the wilderness
that we may find a voice to disarm power
and a way to challenge prejudice.

Dispel our fears
Increase our hope

Guide us to make straight your paths
that we may guard against self-righteousness
and look to you for help.

Dispel our fears
Increase our hope

Move us as we reach out to those in need
that we may respond with urgency
and wait with patience.

Dispel our fears
Increase our hope

Challenge us with your promise of salvation
that we may put aside all fear
and proclaim the hope of liberation. 

Dispel our fears
Increase our hope
And grant us peace.

Amen.

Annabel Shilson-Thomas/CAFOD