Church Prayers and Intercessions for Advent 3

By Mrs Morag Stewart

Loving Father, as once again we prepare for Christmas, help us, in all the busyness of these days, to find time to think of what Christmas really means:
of your love for the world,
of the coming of the promised Redeemer,
of the wonder of the Word made flesh.
May we, like Mary, treasure these things and ponder them in our hearts; so that on Christmas Day we may be ready to join in the joyful worship of the Church and give glory to your name.           

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Loving Lord
We pray for our Christian family who will be celebrating this festival in so many different ways, and for those who dare not celebrate openly.
for Christians in countries where there is persecution
for Christians in our own country, with whom we will share our celebrations, for our own Church family.  Grant that all who come into our church this Christmas time may be enabled to renew their relationship with you.  Help us all to be glad of your presence, and to rejoice at the coming of Jesus. 

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Loving Lord
We pray for people who are lonely, those who are lonely because they have lost a partner, those who are lonely because no-one seems to care, those who are lonely because of handicap or illness.  Let your presence be with those who are alone at this season of friendship and may we take your friendship to those whom we know will be alone this Christmas.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Loving Lord
We pray for all who are homeless this Christmas.  For those sleeping under bridges, on park benches, in doorways or bus stations.  For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent. For those who have no relatives to take them in. Loving Lord, watch over them this Christmas and keep them safe.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Loving Lord
We pray for peace in our world: that all may live free from violence, in safety and security, and with hope for the future.

We pray for all who are working to build peace in their communities: that they may inspire others by their example and be strengthened to carry on, even in the hardest times.

We pray for people who have been affected by violence as they rebuild their lives: that they may find it in their hearts to move forward in peace and forgiveness.

We pray for our local community that we may be bearers of peace.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Loving Lord
We pray for friends and family who are ill at this time, and remember them in the quietness of our hearts.   We bring them to you in the confidence that you love them and know their every need and that your healing power is still the same today.  Bless all that is being done for their recovery and answer our prayers as you see best

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench.  We remember those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope.  We remember today

You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light

Lords Prayer