Officiant: Let us pray to God, who came among us in the birth of Jesus:
Intercessor: Gracious God, as a star rose, and drew people from great distances to Bethlehem that they might greet the Christ-child; Draw us, your Church, and all of your people to you – that we might be the Church and the People who you call us to be. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As you gave Mary your Holy Spirit, filling her with the delight of your Presence; Fill us with your Spirit, and renew our lives. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As Gentiles streamed to Jesus’ Light, and Kings to the brightness of his rising; Draw our nation, our President, and all in authority, to His brightness. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As angels sang ‘glorias’ to you and proclaimed peace on earth, and goodwill among all peoples; Bring us your peace, and bring an end to and terror and strife. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As shepherds were drawn away from their flocks by night; Draw those who do not know you yet to the knowledge and love of you. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As Jesus was born in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn; Be especially present with those who have no where to lay their head, those who are vulnerable, and those who are hungry. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As the Holy Family gathered together in Bethlehem, and traveled together to far off lands; Bless all families, especially the families of our parish, and protect those who travel. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As your son came to proclaim the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of Life Eternal; Give to the departed eternal rest and let Light perpetual shine on them. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
For those who are sick, especially ___________.
For those who are serving in our armed forces.
For those who have died [especially ___________].
Celebrant: O Lord our God, may the Light and Hope of this night/season, and of your Son’s Incarnation, reassure our hearts that you are among us, that you hear our prayer, and that you will be with us always, even to the end of the age. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth we pray. Amen.
Dear Father Morley,
When looking for fresh resources for prayers of the people, I stumbled across your web page last week – I hope you don’t mind if we use them, with attribution, in some of our services here at Philadelphia Cathedral. You have a beautiful way with words! I will be actually chanting them freely with a sung response from the congregation – when we did this for Advent 4 on Sunday, people sang out far more names for the prayer for those in need and for those who have died that they do when the prayers of the people are spoken! – Tom Lloyd, Director of Music – tlloyd@philadelphiacathedral.org
Tom, I’m so pleased that you’re using them, and finding them helpful! Christmas blessings to all at the Cathedral this Holy Season!
Dear Father Morley,
Merry Christmas! I have found myself in a similar situation to my brother in Christ, Tom Lloyd, seeking meaningful prayers. What a joy it is to have found your page. We will be sharing your prayers of the people for all Christmastide at the Canaan Moravian Church in Davenport, North Dakota tomorrow in our worship service. We are a small congregation of salty and precious souls in rural Cass County, 20 miles south and west of Fargo. God’s blessings and peace to you. Thank you for sharing your gift in this unique way with those of us who are literally all across our nation.
blessings and peace,
Rev. Mary Bielke
mbielke92@hotmail.com
p.s. did you know that the Moravian Church is now in full communion with the Episcopal Church? 🙂
Oh, how I love salty and precious souls!
And, I did NOT know that we’re in full communion! Hallelujah.
Blessed Christmastide to all the salty souls in Davenport.
Rick
Thanks Fr. for these prayers. They really capture the meaning of Christmas and the needs of the people I am serving. With your permission, I will use them this Christmas season. Merry Christmas to you and your church family.
Fr. Sully