Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh, Immanuel, God with us, has come for all those who are weary and need rest, who are lonely and need friendship, who mourn and need comfort.
On Friday 19th December, at our reflective Christmas carol service, Adam led us in three prayers for those who find Christmas hard. They are published here below to aid you in your prayer life:
For those dealing with loss
Dearest God, your Son Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary, is the Good Shepherd, the finder of the lost sheep, the one who guides his people through the valley of shadows, darkness and death. We lift up all those who mourn today, and we ask please will you show them your sovereign comfort and care. We remember those loved ones who have departed, thankful for the gift they were to us and the ways in which they mirrored your character. Please, Father, in grief, when trust in you is hard, be near us, and when we have no strength carry us. We ask this in the name of the incarnate one, Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, Amen.
For those dealing with stress
Dearest God, your Son Jesus Christ after he was resurrected from the dead, ascended to heaven, and is seated at your right hand on a throne that cannot be shaken. We lift up to you all those who find Christmas hard. Who feel overwhelmed with the noise, the chaos, the business. Who feel frustrated with how this year has gone, the dreams that have not been fulfilled, the hopes that have not been met. We lift up those who are struggling at this time with physical health, or financial worries. Please, Father, may we find shelter under the shadow of your wings, and may we find safety in your fortress. Please, Father help us to grow in trust of your sovereign plans and purposes. Please, Father in hardship and pain, help us to walk closely with your Son who has walked here on earth. We ask this in the name of the incarnate one, Jesus Christ, the defender of the weak, Amen.
For the hurt and pain in our world
Dearest God, your Son Jesus Christ is the prince of peace. We ask for peace Father, not just for ourselves, but for all those places in the world where there is war and bloodshed. We lift up the people of Ukraine, the people of Gaza and Israel, the people of Sudan and Myanmar, the people of Afghanistan and Haiti. We ask may the peace of Christ reign and rule in these places. Either may Jesus return and bring his justice on all those who do evil, or may there be a change of heart away from wickedness and wrong, and towards a love of enemy and neighbour. Be with those who are weak and vulnerable this Christmas, and give them shelter. Be with those who are hungry and needy, and give them food and love. Be with the Church in these places, let your people stand with the vulnerable and be a light in the darkness. We ask this in the name of the incarnate one, Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, Amen.