Prayers of the People for Christmas

The following form of Prayers of the People is used at New Song for Christmas.

Leader

God of the One who has come, your Star rises in our hearts as we make our own journey to greet you. Bring us to the humility of the stable as we join our voices in prayer.

For the church. For your people gathered here in joy, and for those gathered throughout the world. Remind us of what it means to be faithful, even as Mary offered her womb, Joseph, the strength of his protection, and the shepherds their awe and wonder. (Silence)

God of hope and promise,
We gather to greet you in love.

For the world. For our nation and for all nations. Keep us mindful that the hopes and fears of all time, of all hearts, and of all spirits are met in You, and that you are Emmanuel, God with us.
(Silence)

God of hope and promise,
We gather to greet you in love.

For this community. Let the light of your star illumine the shadows that hide the needs of those around us. Bring us your vision of justice and the courage to live it; the willingness to learn the names of those in need, and the compassion to respond as we discover you in each other. (Silence)

God of hope and promise,
We gather to greet you in love.

For ourselves. Open us ever more deeply to your Presence. Open our eyes to see by the stable lamp that we are created in your own image. Open our ears to hear the stars that bend their voices, and blend our voices with the stones that cry in praise of you. (Silence)

God of hope and promise,
We gather to greet you in love.

For our children and for children everywhere. That even as we greet the Holy Child, we may know the holy and joyous gift of their presence in our lives, and that we may come to know the Truth of your Love together. (Silence)

God of hope and promise,
We gather to greet you in love.

For those who suffer. Show them, through us, the brightness of your Star, the promise of your presence, and the Hope of your healing, that they may know, in special ways, grace upon grace. (Silence)

God of hope and promise,
We gather to greet you in love.

For those who have died. We rejoice that because of your birth, they now live in perfect joy, their spirit voices praising your name and reminding us that the absence we know is, by your grace, made full and holy. (Silence)

God of hope and promise,
With all your saints, we praise you.

Susanne Watson Epting has written these prayers for all in the Diocese of Iowa, and beyond.

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