The Church of Christ Creation,
The Sovereign and those in authority
The local community and human society,
Those who suffer
The communion of saints
These responses may be used:
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, and let us thank God
for his goodness.
Almighty God our heavenly father, you promised
through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.
Joyful God, it's your birthday. Today, in Christian churches throughout the world, people are meeting to celebrate your birth. We rejoice in our different styles of worship, but we rejoice even more that on this special day we come together in celebration of your birth.
Today with the world-wide church we pray especially for your Church in ...
Strengthen N our bishop and all your Church in the service
of Christ; that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live
together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
But there
are those, loving God, who cannot celebrate. There are those for whom "peace on
earth, goodwill to men" has an empty ring. Survivors from wars and disasters.
Relatives of those killed in accidents. Those who must sleep rough because
there is no room for them in the inn. Loving God, at this time of our own
rejoicing, we remember those who cannot celebrate.
Bless and guide Elizabeth our queen; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.
All-powerful God, you gave your son Jesus to be born as a tiny, vulnerable baby into an ordinary family, to learn for himself the love and caring and strength a family brings, but also the hurts and difficulties. We rejoice in the thrill Christmas brings to childhood, but we ask that we human beings may learn to cope with the stress Christmas sometimes brings.
Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours; that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
Caring God, for some people Christmas is a time of deep sadness because loved ones are ill, and some will not recover. For others, every Christmas is an anniversary of tragedy. We bring into your loving and waiting presence those who are sick or suffering this Christmas, especially.......
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit...; give them courage and hope in their troubles; and bring them the joy of your salvation.
God of eternity, we know that life is a cycle from birth to death. By being born, you too joined that cycle in order that you too could die, just as we must die. And so, into your understanding and care we commemorate the departed and those who mourn their loss, especially.......
Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ....; according to your promises grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of (N and of) all your saints, we commend ourselves and all people to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
