PRIEST: As we joyfully celebrate the Saviour’s birth amongst, us we pray for the needs of the Church and the world.
READER: We pray for Christian communities near and far, for our bishops and our Holy Father, Pope Francis, that these Christmas celebrations may deepen our living faith in Jesus the Son of God, the Word made flesh. Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.
Let us pray for those who are separated from their families at this Christmas time. We pray that we may all be brought closer together in the wonder of Christ amongst us. Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.
We pray for all who are working for peace in the Land of our Saviour’s birth and wherever
there is war and discord. May the peace on earth that Christ brings be for all peoples.
Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.
We pray for all who are homeless or without food this Christmas;
for refugees forced to flee their own land through poverty or persecution;
for the sick and the housebound;
for the lonely and for all who are in want of any kind. May we share from our plenty with those in need. Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.
We remember all who have died in this past year. We pray especially for our own family, friends and neighbours and those in this congregation who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.
Now let us pray for a few moments for our own private needs and intentions.
Let us ask Mary, the gentle maiden, who gave birth to the Saviour, to pray with us. Hail Mary …
PRIEST: Almighty and everliving God, your love was made visible in the birth of your Son at Bethlehem. By the power of your Holy Spirit, may our celebrations this Christmas deepen our faith in the same Lord who has risen from the dead and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. AMEN
