Intercessions by Angie Foster, Ordinand, for the 1st Sunday of Christmas: 31.12.23
God our Father, we thank you for the message of peace that Christmas brings to our distracted world. On this last day of the year, may we reflect on the past events – joyous and sad – and may we strive afresh with the New Year before us to right the wrongs and increase our thanks and gratitude for your grace and mercy.
We pray especially for the worldwide church and closer to home our Team clergy of Hannah, Chris and especially Peter.
Give peace among nations. We pray for those known to us who are serving in the armed forces at home or abroad to keep peace in our land, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts, as we remember the birth of the Holy Child at Bethlehem, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the Light of the world. Holy Child of Bethlehem, whose parents found no room in the inn, we pray for all who are homeless and without adequate shelter this day.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Holy Child of Bethlehem, born in a stable, we pray for all who are living in poverty, those without work, and those who are hungry.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Holy Child of Bethlehem, rejected stranger, we pray for all who are lost, alone, and for all who cry for the comfort of someone who cares.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Holy Child of Bethlehem, whom Herod sought to kill, we pray for all in danger, those who are frightened, oppressed, and for all who are persecuted.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Holy Child of Bethlehem, a refugee in Egypt, we pray for all who are far away from their homes, their countries, and their families.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Holy Child of Bethlehem, in you the Eternal was pleased to dwell, help us, we pray, to see your divine image in all people everywhere. In our Mission Community we pray for the schools, their chaplaincy work, and our Youth Churches. We pray also for those who volunteer for charities locally, nationally, and beyond.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Holy Child of Bethlehem, You placed your hands on the sick and healed them.
You were moved with compassion to all who were suffering.
Be with all who are sick, and bless those in the medical profession in the NHS and our local health services who seek to heal, and for all those who offer care.
Our prayers and thoughts are with those we know this Christmas time.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Holy Child of Bethlehem, You raised to life your friend Lazarus and you are the resurrection and the life. Reassure us in our grief and mourning as we entrust those who have gone before us into your eternal arms. We remember especially those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries are at this time.
You are the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench and we light a candle to symbolise your light which eternally shines and brings hope.
You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light.
Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Light of life, you came in flesh, born into human pain and joy, and gave us power to be your children. Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us, so that all of creation may sing new songs of gladness and walk in the way of peace.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
