Month: December 2022

Luke 2: 1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Light of the World, Prince of Peace, on this Christmas morning we celebrate Your coming to the earth in flesh. We worship you for becoming vulnerable, a baby, to live amongst us, revealing the heart of God.

Holy One, on this Christmas morning, we remember that your Son was born into a dangerous and troubled world. We hold in prayer our world today, where conflict dominates the news headlines, where injustice fuels oppression, and where the gulf between wealth and poverty widens; the same issues that took you from the cradle to the cross. Help all leaders – local, national, and global – to use their power for the good of all. Fill our world with the joyful hope that there is a better way. Help us live in peace.

Lord Jesus, as Mary gently cradled you in her arms, we pray for all women giving birth today, for all new born babies and for all expectant mothers. We pray for children who cry and are not comforted and for parents who fear for their children’s safety. Born into a human family, we give thanks for our families who will gather at the table for Christmas dinner and we remember those who cannot be with loved ones at this time. We pray for family members who are far from home due to weather and closed roads. Keep them safe and warm. Protect first responders, road workers, and health care providers and all who are working today to keep us safe and well.

Emmanuel, God-with-us, we pray for all who will be alone today, without family or friends, without enough to eat, with no place to live, or suffering due to the elements. We pray for refugees, especially those fleeing violence in Ukraine, living far from home in an effort to find food and shelter for their children. Bless the work of those who give up this day to bring joy and hope to others – for those who have opened their homes and for warming centres open to provide food, warmth and shelter. May the gifts of Christmas – hope, joy, peace, and love – abound and warm the hearts of those in need and those who serve.

God of compassion, speak words of comfort and love to those grieving, those suffering loneliness or sickness of body or mind. Bless the work of those who offer a listening ear to the needy and those living with addiction or mental illness. May the peace of Christ be with them and may they know they are never alone.

As Covid and significant cold/flu viruses circulate in our communities and families, we pray for healing, grace and protection over all.

We pray for our Households of Faith. Through Christ we pray, Amen.

Waiting and anticipating, we bow our hearts before you Holy One.

Today we hear the angels’ proclamation:

“The virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

His name will be called Emmanuel, God with us.

Show us your child, O God,

For we walk together in hope and with deep yearnings.

Give your justice to the nations and their leaders,

and give your mercy to all whose decisions

affect the peace and well-being of the world.

Where we have power ourselves,

open our ears to the cries of the weak, the poor, and the needy,

and open our hearts to answer their call.

Show us your child, O God,
For we walk together in hope and with deep yearnings.

Bless this community, we pray

that in your light we may each become a servant, one to the other

holding the Christ light for one another in the night time of our fears.

Bring us together in story, song, joy, and sorrow;

and let each person who comes among us

find community and your presence of love in this place.

Show us your child, O God,
For we walk together in love.

God of compassion, pour out your healing grace upon all

who are dealing with sickness, fear, or any kind of trouble;

Draw near to those awaiting surgery, treatment, and those awaiting recovery of strength.

Comfort the grieving who feel their loss even more deeply amidst Christmas celebration.

Meet each be met with rest, peace, and your comfort.

Show us your child, O God,

For we walk together in peace.

God of restoration, with longing and thanksgiving,

knowing that you hold this world and all its children deep in your heart,

we pray for the grace to receive your gift given to the world.

May we lift up our eyes and look around,

and boldly join in your mission of restoration and reconciliation.

Grant us courage as it was for Mary and Joseph

to follow your pathway, to answer your call, to live in faith.

Emmanuel, God-with-us, we journey to Bethlehem and the manger

Prepare our hearts to receive you anew –

To receive the wonder, the miracle, the profound gift of your love.

We pray in the name of the Christ child. Amen.

We pray for our loved ones who are experiencing limitations due to aging bodies and our loved ones in long-term care. Support each family and grant deep measures of compassion and patience.

As Covid and significant cold/flu viruses circulate in our communities and families, we pray for healing, grace and protection over all.

We pray for our Households of Faith.

We pray for meaningful family time over Christmas and deep sense of Christ’s presence with them.

Amidst many ups and down over this past year, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness, for providing all the strength, peace, and courage they need for each day.

We pray for safe travels and a beautiful Christmas with family. Bless them with health, much joy, and peace. Amen

Lord our God, you have revealed yourself as One

whose desire it is to bring justice, peace, and joy to all people.

In a world that turns away from and participates in injustice,

you cast your eyes on the destitute, the poor, and the wronged;

You have called us to follow you, to preach good news to the poor,

to proclaim release for the captives, and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the time of your blessing.

Lord our God, be present with your church as we respond to your call.

Open our eyes to those in need, especially the lonely and the isolated.

Fill us with compassion for refugees and immigrants who seek safe refuge

Fill us with mercy for those who struggle with addiction and mental illness, or bear the weight of abuse in its many forms..

Fill us with gifts of caregiving for the sick, those who suffer pain whether in mind, body, or spirit……

May your healing grace surround the most vulnerable amongst us, especially loved ones in long term care.

We pray for our loved ones who are experiencing limitations due to aging bodies.

As Covid and significant cold/flu viruses circulate in our communities and families, we pray especially for the most vulnerable amongst us – the very young and the aged. May the light of your love shine bright as we journey dark days of illness, uncertainty, pain, and suffering.

We pray for our baptism prep class as they learn, ask questions, and explore faith. May your love and presence become more real to them, especially this Christmas season.

We pray for our Households of Faith. May their work be meaningful and purposeful, their relationships a source of great joy, and may their hearts be filled with the peace of Christ. Amen

God of restoration and life,

draw near us as we journey the Advent story
of hope and mystery,
anticipation and preparation,
as we seek your kingdom
already here amongst us – and, coming in its fullness.

Heaven touching earth,
the footsteps of the divine
walking dusty roads,
we are a people searching for you.

We are people seeking restoration,

in our hearts, in our relationships,

in our relationship with creation,

In our relationship with You, O God.

We confess the world stands in need of restoration and healing

and we hear your call to return to you

and be restored to our belovedness as children of peace.

Forgiven, renewed and restored,

strengthen us to live generously,

to join with you in your mission of justice and peacemaking,

giving voice to the marginalized and oppressed,

speaking truth to power.

Open eyes and hearts,
to your restoring presence in the world.

May the weapons of war be laid down.

May there be peace through peaceful means.

We pray leaders will govern with wisdom and compassion

For the desert places in which we walk,
the streets we roam, the paths we cross,
guide our feet.
Take us to places
where you would go.
Give us words that you would use
that in this Advent season
ff promise and preparation
we might point the way with John the Baptist.

Restore us, O Lord, we pray,
bring us back to your heart,
Bring us back to that place
when our love was fresh,
and our joy uncontainable.
Restore us, O Lord, we pray.

We pray for our loved ones who are experiencing limitations due to aging bodies and loved ones in long-term care. Support each family and grant deep measures of compassion and care.

As Covid and significant cold/flu viruses circulate in our communities and families, we pray especially for the most vulnerable amongst us – the very young and the aged. May the light of your love shine bright as we journey dark days of illness, uncertainty, pain, and suffering.

We pray for deep peace for all who grieve and feel their loss more acutely these days of lights and glitter. Surround the grieving with care and comfort in healing ways.

We pray for our Households of Faith. May the gifts of this season inspire fruitful and faithful living. May joy fill each heart and home. Protect little ones from illness and grant strength for the roles of parenting. Amen