Church Prayers and Intercessions for Christmas Day

Mrs Morag Stewart

 

As we celebrate Christmas when the Word of God became flesh, we pray for the church, the body of Christ.  We pray for Bishop Richard and for the ministry of Charlie, Sam, Wendy and Richard and all who help them to carry out their daily work. Give us strength to do your work well, and may the spirit of Christmas show itself in us, as we serve and love and care for others in your name.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we celebrate your birth among us.  You lived in the real world and knew its hardship and its need.

You showed love for lonely people, outcast people, people who were ill or unloved.  So we bring our prayers for people in need today, knowing that you love them now as you did then.

We pray for the homeless and for refugees who have no country to call their own.
You were born in a stable because there was no room for you in the inn and you were taken to Egypt as a refugee when Herod threatened your life. Let your blessing be with those who work to help homeless people and refugees; and give to all of us the determination to help where we can.

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.
You know what it is like to be lonely and you welcomed the friendship of the disciples and Mary and Martha.  Let your presence be with those who are alone this Christmas.

We pray for children everywhere
You grew up in a family with brothers and sisters and you called children to you and gave them your blessing.  Bless our children today and may they experience something of those deep joys you want for all your children, young and old.

We pray for Peace.
You came as Prince of peace and brought a message of peace for all people.  Help us to be peacemakers in our homes, at work, wherever we meet people, so that your Spirit can work though us in our community and in the world.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

We pray for friends and family who are sick or in need of your help 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.  We are thankful and pray for those who will work this Christmas Day in the service of others.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for those who have died and for those whose hearts have been saddened by the death of someone close to them.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We 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.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you Lord, for sending us the gift of your Son, so that we may have a very merry Christmas. We thank you for the star that guided the little donkey carrying Mary safely to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. May we, who worship here, know the presence of Jesus in our lives this day and every day.

Merciful Father ....

Lords Prayer