Christmas prayers
These prayers are easily adapted, for example by replacing "In this holy night" by "On this holy day."
A second adaptation, if one prints off a service sheet, or uses a projector for congregational participation, is that in each line, the second sentence is bolded and said by the congregation eg.
God of darkness and silence, you have pierced the quiet of this night by the utterance of your Word in our flesh.
May your word of compassion and reconciliation resound in us and through us.
After each petition there may be silence followed by
God of love
grant our prayer.
God of darkness and silence, you have pierced the quiet of this night by the utterance of your Word in our flesh. May your word of compassion and reconciliation resound in us and through us.
In this holy night angels proclaimed the peace of your unconquered Sun of righteousness. Strengthen all who work for peace and justice.
In this holy night you came to us in a child cradled in a borrowed bed of straw as there was no room in the inn. Open our hearts to the needs of the homeless and the hungry.
In this holy night shepherds and outcasts heard your good news. Give us grace to spread your gospel of joy and liberation.
In this holy night we rejoice at the coming of this time of re-creation. Be with those who travel, enrich our rejoicing, and strengthen the bonds between us.
In this holy night Christians throughout the world are celebrating Christ's birth. Unite us in one family that we may shine with the one light that scatters all our darkness.
In this holy night your living Word leaped down, shedding light on all who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Give strength and peace to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
In this holy night heaven and earth embrace and in your true child you give us power to be your children. Fulfil in your love all who have gone before us in the faith. May we, like them, remain faithful to the mystery of the Word made flesh and live in your eternal light.
Hear these prayers we bring to you and fulfil your purposes in us in the name of Jesus, your incarnate Word. Amen.
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