Church Prayers and Intercessions for Christmas Eve

Let us pray to Jesus our Saviour.

Christ, born in a stable, give courage to all who are homeless.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.

Christ, for whom the angels sang, give the song of the kingdom to all who weep.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.

Christ, worshipped by the shepherds, give peace on earth to all who are oppressed.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.

Christ, before whom the wise men knelt, give humility and wisdom to all who govern.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.

Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger, give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.

Jesus, Saviour, child of Mary, you know us and love us, you share our lives and hear our prayer. Glory to you for ever. Amen.

 

Alternative Prayers

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Father,[in this holy night] your Son our Saviour was born in human flesh.
Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] there was no room for your Son in the inn.
Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] Mary,in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth.
Hold in your hand […and] all who are in pain or distress.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness.
Bring comfort to […and] all who suffer in the sadness of our world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] the angels sang,‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’
Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in […and in] all the world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy.
Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger.
Bless our homes and all whom we love.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven.
Hold in your hand […and] all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

[In this holy night] Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth.
Open our hearts that he may be born in us today.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

Father, [in this holy night] angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne.
Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph and the saints through him who is your
Word made flesh, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

 

 

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.