Monday, December 11, 2023

24 December 2023 - Christmas Eve - Prayers of the faithful

Introduction: Merry Christmas everyone! This evening, we celebrate God’s greatest gift: Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come into the world in a spectacular way, but instead in a humble stable in an unfamiliar town after a long difficult journey. Soon, the skies were filled with angels from heaven to announce the glad tidings to the shepherds in the fields. We are called to come with joy tonight to worship our newborn king.

Lord Jesus - you are the savior of the world.

Christ Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father.

Lord Jesus - you were born in the humble manger in Bethlehem.

Priest: Today, we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. As we assured tonight on Christmas Eve of God’s closeness to us, we present our prayers with our needs and the needs of the world:

1. That we may be a light in the world in the way we proclaim by word and deed the Gospel message of our Lord, Emmanuel, we pray to the Lord.

2. That all the nations of the world may work for peace, following the example of the prince of peace. We pray for those places in the world torn apart by war, especially in the Holy Lord and Ukraine, we pray to the Lord.

3. For the poor, the outcasts, and the homeless, that they may never be told that there is no room in the inn for them, we pray to the Lord.

4. For those who are struggling this time of the year, due to grief, stress, or personal problems, that they may find comfort in the knowledge that God remains with us through all our hardships, we pray to the Lord.

5. For the sick and shut-in, for those battling addictions, for those trying to cope with anxiety, depression, and mental illness. For comfort and healing and wholeness for them. We pray to the Lord.

6. For the faithful departed, for their entry into eternal life. We pray to the Lord. 7. For all of us, our families, friends, and neighbors, that the holy season of Christmas may be filled with love, joy, and peace. We pray to the Lord.

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord.

Priest: It is your will that your son became incarnate on Christmas and changed the world for all time. Help us to incarnate your son in our lives. Help us to change the world to reflect your love and mercy. We make our prayers through your incarnate son, Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

No comments:

Post a Comment