THE PRAYERS,
1st Sunday after Christmas, Cycle A (December 29, 2019)
With joy and confidence, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the needs of all people throughout the world.
A brief silence
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you for making us his brothers and sisters, and for giving us the privilege of calling you Abba. Thank you for making us your family!
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Guide and protect your Church. Let it cherish and share the gifts of life, forgiveness, and union with your dear Son. Give it grace to proclaim them boldly and faithfully; and to bestow them generously, so that the family you have created in him may grow and flourish.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant that your Son Jesus is always cradled in the hearts of the people in this congregation; and that we always speak and act in ways that are worthy of our calling as his sisters and brothers. We pray that more and more, we think, pray, speak, and act as your disciples, bearing the great gift of Jesus’ love to everyone we meet.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
On account of Jesus, innocent children were killed by Herod. We pray for our sisters and brothers across the world who are tortured and killed because they name Jesus as Lord. Protect them from evil. Keep their faith strong and their hearts pure. By their witness to the Babe of Bethlehem, call their tormentors to repentance and to faith.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless all who care for the poor, sick, grieving and lonely in this season of joy. Shine the light of your love upon those in nursing homes, mental institutions, and hospitals. Grant your mercy and guidance to prisoners and to all who are addicted or despairing. Be the sure hope and protector of the homeless and refugees, especially little children; and lead them to safe shelter.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give the leaders of the nations a holy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Teach them your ways of faithfulness and justice. Bring healing and hope to people overwhelmed by natural disasters or human malice. Help us all to live in peace with each other.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless and protect our military; police; first responders; and all who protect life and liberty. Grant them wisdom, integrity and courage. Let the innocent, the weak, and the vulnerable call on them confidently. Bring them safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind or soul.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We sing of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, risen with healing in his wings. Let the light of his countenance shine upon everyone troubled by pain, confusion, sorrow, sin, or grief. Especially we pray for: {List}. Restore them to life, health and hope; and to all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord, keep safe those who have died trusting in your promised mercy. Comfort all whose grief runs deep during this season of joy. Keep us close to Jesus, so we know him as our wise brother as well as our mighty Savior throughout our earthly pilgrimage. You kept him, Mary and Joseph safe throughout their exile, and brought them into the Promised Land. Therefore we pray that you would bring us through the dangers and sorrows of this life into the eternal Home you have promised to those whom you name, for Jesus’ sake, your beloved children.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.
