Christmas Prayer: Let there be Light

Here’s the other prayer we used in our Children’s Christmas Praise yesterday morning:

Leader: Let us pray:

This Christmas, as we remember the birth of Jesus in a stable,

we are reminded that hope comes in unexpected ways

and in unfamiliar places.

We pray for the work of schools.

Wherever the world is in darkness, Lord,

All:      Let there be light.

Leader: This Christmas, as we remember the violence with

which the soldiers came searching for Jesus,

we are reminded that conflicts still have devastating

effects on children trapped between warring sides.

We pray for conflict zones and look for peace,

especially in Ireland, Israel, Palestine, Democratic Republic of Congo,

Sudan, and Afghanistan.

Wherever the world is in darkness, Lord,

All:      Let there be light.

Leader: This Christmas, as we remember the flight of Jesus’

family to Egypt,

we are reminded of the plight of people forced to

flee from homes and possessions.

We pray for refugees and asylum seekers,

especially in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Sudan.

Wherever the world is in darkness, Lord,

All:      Let there be light.

Leader: This Christmas, as we remember the homeless

Holy Family,

we are reminded of the millions of families now

who have no shelter and who face eviction.

We pray for all homeless people wherever they are

in the world.

Wherever the world is in darkness, Lord,

All:      Let there be light.

Leader: This Christmas, as we remember those who went

to the stable,

we are reminded that we need to make a journey.

We pray for ourselves that as you have come to us,

we may also come to know you,

to know you and to love you more

as we serve other people.

Wherever the world is in darkness, Lord,

All:      Let there be light.