Prayer
A Prayer for Christmas
Dear Father,
Christmas is coming. It’s all such a rush – planning, shopping, spending, wrapping, posting, stressing! What’s it all about? Lord, help us, in all the rat-race busyness, to make time to focus on that baby at the centre of it all. That baby who is your Son, who was with you in the beginning and who, with you, created all things; that baby who brings life and light and hope and salvation; that baby who was and is Jesus, God, made man.
Lord, we thank you for that baby-gift to us – the greatest gift there has ever been. Thankyou that because he came, grew up, lived, died and rose again, there is light in the darkness of this world’s mess – light that can never be put out, that evil can never overcome. Jesus is the Light of the World. Putting our trust in him, we thank you Lord, for Christmas – for your grace and love for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Prayer is at the heart of our Christian lives.
Anyone can pray, at any time and in any place. God is always alongside us and ready to listen.
St Mary’s Church is open every day for people to go in and pray, sit quietly orlook around. The prayer corner at the front of the church has some prayer leaflets which you can use or take away with you. There is also a board where you can post prayer requests: our prayer team will pray these prayers weekly.
Ifyou’d like to pray with someone, we will always be happy to do this. Members ofthe prayer team are available at the front of church after the Sunday morningservice. Alternatively, you can email prayers@luddendenchurch.org.uk andsomeone will contact you.
“…I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heavenand on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he maystrengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so thatChrist may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3: 14-17)
The Lord's Prayer:
One day Jesus' disciples said to him, 'Lord teach us to pray.' Jesus' response was simple - he gave them some words to use, which we know as the Lord's Prayer.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen.
