Prayer Christmas 2011

Prayer of thanksgiving and praise

Our heavenly Father,

As Christmas is almost well and truly upon us, we find ourselves reminded of so many things that we can be thankful for.  We are thankful for this school premises, where we are allowed not only to meet together on Sundays, but were able to have our carols service, open to the community. We pray that many were touched by the words of carols, the words of the Christmas story from the gospels, and the words of Bruce, and also thank you that much enjoyment was had by those who attended. We thank you that we will be able to have Christmas services here in the morning, which will also likely be attended by people who might not otherwise find their way to church. We pray those services will be a blessing on those who attend. Christmas is a time where many of us are surrounded by our families, and we thank you for those families that many will spend some of their Christmas with. We pray that there will be liberal amounts of joy and gladness, and conservative amounts of drinking and argument.

The swirling mass of presents and food that will surround many of us also reminds us of your bounty, and we praise you for being a generous God, who provides us with an abundance. Help us to put that abundance to good use, not only in celebrating the birth of your Son and our Saviour, but also in providing hospitality to others, and using gift giving and charitable donation to build relationships with those around us, and to give to those who sorely need it.

We thank you most of all, Lord, for the reminder that you were prepared to take on a human form, be born into this world as one of us, and walk among us, sharing yourself with us, revealing yourself to us, and ultimately dying for us. As we learn about the earthly family history of Jesus today, help us to reflect on how close you have been to humanity over thousands of years, many generations, constantly abiding by your promises, and keeping your people under your wings of love and protection.

So it is in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Our gracious Father,

In the same way that Christmas reminds us of so many blessings, it also provides for us a stark contrast between those of us who have, and the many around us who do not have. We pray for those who are far from family, who miss their parents, siblings, and children, and who will not get to see them this Christmas time. We think of soldiers, police, doctors, overseas workers, missionaries, and others. Be with them, and provide for them hospitality and camaraderie. For those estranged from their families, we pray you will provide open doors that they need not be alone this Christmas. For those in hospital over Christmas, we pray you will touch them with healing and comfort.

We pray for the Christmas hampers that were contributed to by people in our church. We pray that they will be helpful to all who receive them, that the toys will be a joy to the children who receive them, and the food a blessing and lifting of a burden in what can be a difficult time for many. We pray for all who are stressed, depressed or anxious at Christmas time. Please bring them your eternal peace, and guard their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus.

We pray for the many who will be travelling on packed roads to their holiday destinations, or to visit family. Please keep the road tolls low, and separate drunk drivers from their vehicles over these holidays. Out of all the great and abundant blessing you give us, Lord, help us to remember the many who are not so blessed, and to share with them in whatever way you give us. Help us to be hospitable, giving, and loving to all those around us, and those that you bring into our orbits in this Christmas period. We pray for people like Bruce and Emily, and other ministers of the faith, who do not get Christmas Day off. Give them strength to serve you in churches across the world, and give them a day off some other time.

By the authority of Jesus, we pray these things, Amen.