THE PRAYERS,
Christmas Eve, Cycle B (December 24, 2023)
Christmas Day (December 25, 2023)
The petitions are drawn from verses of several carols.
O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers.
A brief silence
Jesus, Brother, we welcome you. Jesus, Friend, we delight in you. Jesus, King, we bow before you. Jesus, Savior, we thank you. Jesus, Lord, we adore you. Jesus, God, we worship you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: enflesh yourself in your Church. Let its words “speak you,” the Living Word. Let its teaching be a star of hope, burning in the world’s darkness. Let its deeds of mercy draw many to kneel in awe and wonder before you, and there find life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O loveliest blooming rose, adorn the suffering of your persecuted followers with the beauty of your goodness. Be their refuge and Lord. Gladden their hearts. Shine so brightly in their lives that their enemies turn to you in repentance and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
O mighty king and gentle friend, draw near to this congregation. Let us love you as heaven’s gift and treasure. Caress us with your blessing. Let all we do help others to trust and worship you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Jesus, our Emmanuel, you lay your glory aside “to raise each child of earth.” Bring light and life to those who do not know you or believe that you are God, veiled in human flesh. Give them eyes to see your divine love, and hearts to enthrone you as Lord, God, and King.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Heaven-born Prince of Peace, reconcile all peoples, nations, races, and tribes under your glorious and gentle rule. Lift up all whose forms bend low beneath life’s crushing load. Free them from all that afflicts them. Make us all, from greatest to least, children of your light, and partakers of your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Savior of our fallen race, bestow a measure of your peace to all who stand in harm’s way, protecting others, in this death-shadowed world. Renew their courage and purify their hearts. Use their labors to bring hope and healing in communities fractured by hatred and violence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Savior, child of Mary, you felt our human woe. Bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer and to all who mourn, even on this holy and joyful night. O Sun of Righteousness, rise upon them with healing in your wings!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Savior, King of Glory, you have triumphed over our ancient foes: sin, evil, and death. Thank you for your love, which guarded, guided, and kept our loved ones in your care until their life’s end. And now, Lord Jesus, dearest friend: Bring us at length to heaven and into your endless day. With all whom you have redeemed, let us praise, adore, and delight in you; for with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be near us, Lord Jesus; and hear when we pray. Stay by us forever and love us always. Bless all your dear children in your tender care. And fit us for heaven, to dwell with you there. AMEN.
