Almighty God, who gave us Jesus that He may teach us how to live, and through his spirit provide the power for us to act on his behalf in the world of today. Give us Grace to celebrate this season of his birth with the same awe and joy the angels, shepherds and wise men of old experienced. Help us hear the angels sing in our hearts and with our spiritual eyes see the glory of his presence among us. Grant us a special grace that we may enter into His presence with praise and thanksgiving. May the spirit of Jesus be born anew in each of our hearts as we celebrate this time together. Make us aware of the needs of the world, and of each other that you may minister through us.
Hear us now as we pray on behalf of those who need your help:
I bid you ... pray for the sick, hungry, the lonely, and the broken hearted who this day may be kept from your presence by the pain of the moment and the uncertainty of the future. (A time of silent prayer)
I bid you ... pray for the leaders of the political world who strive to find peaceful solutions to the divisions which are rampant among the nations of the world. (A time of silent prayer)
I bid you ... pray for the leaders of the church universal. Pray that the love of Christ may so pervade every one that we may be made one in a spirit so pure that love may reign supreme among us. (A time of silent prayer)
I bid you ... pray for this time together that in our worship God may be present to bless us, and to meet all our needs. That somehow this Christmas we may be aware of the very presence of peace and goodwill toward all human beings proclaimed on that holy night years ago. We pray this in the name of Emmanuel who taught us to pray together…
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 and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment