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Church Prayers for Advent 2011

Prayers of Intercession for Christmas Eve

God of light and hope; of stars and surprises: open our eyes to your glory and our hearts to your presence, that we may respond with joy to the angel song; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. (Methodist Worship)

Eternal God, in the stillness of this night, you sent your almighty Word, to pierce the darkness with the light of salvation: give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven, through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen.  (Common Worship)  

 

Lord Jesus, before whom the Magi laid their gifts, whom humble shepherds worshipped, accept our praises as we celebrate your birth at Bethlehem. We ask that as we make this a holy night upon which to remember your birth on earth, so our hearts would be illuminated with the brightness of your one true light, Jesus Christ our Lord, born in us this day.

Prince of Peace, born among us. As we share together the most profound mystery of your birth among us. So we pray that you would fill us with your peace. Pour into our hearts that peace which we so desperately seek, and which you alone can give. May we live as children of the same heavenly Father, willing to share our love for you and also to listen to the faith of others, that together your people may be one. Awaken in our hearts, love and gratitude for all that you have done for us and may our joyful hearts share in the message of the angels to all humankind.

We remember those for whom Christmas will  be difficult. Lord Jesus you were laid in a humble manger, because there was no room for you in the inn. Have mercy we pray on all who cannot share our happiness this Christmas time. We are mindful of the poor and the hungry, the sick and those separated from the ones they love. By your love poured out at Bethlehem, guard, guide and comfort those for whom we pray this night.

So may the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the magi, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.  Amen.  

Mercifulful Father:
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

 

Good and gracious God, on this holy night you gave us your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Saviour of all, lying in a manger. On this holy night draw us into the mystery of your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host, that we may sing your glory on high. Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God forever and ever. Amen

On this holy night in which God joins heaven and earth, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all those in need.

Let us pray for the Church around the world as it celebrates the birth of Christ. Bless all those who are entrusted with Christian ministry that your Word might be proclaimed with truth and courage across our world. Bestow your wisdom on all who govern, that in honouring the earth and its diverse races, cultures, and religions, we may celebrate the light of this holy night.
Grant reconciliation to those besought with conflict and violence, that they may live in the peace of this holy night.

Let us pray for all who are cold, hungry, or alone this night. Embrace with your tender care all who wander alone or have no place to lay their head, they may experience the hope of this holy night.

Let us pray for all who are anxious, depressed, or ill. Draw near to those who find this season a source of pain or grief, and to all who are suffering or sick, especially those we remember in our own hearts ... that they may feel the comfort of this holy night.

Let us pray for parents, families, and children. Strengthen families in the bonds of love and commitment, that our homes might be places of joy and peace.

Let us pray for ourselves and for the blessings of Christmas. Open our hearts to your presence, that we may be transformed by the new birth of this holy night.

Let us give thanks for all our loved ones from whom we are parted this Christmas. Give us grace to entrust those who have passed before us into tender loving care, that we might join with them in singing your praises this holy night.

May God grant unto us whatever we need that we might serve him in showing his love and compassion to our world, allowing the light of God to illuminate the dark places with grace and truth.