You are asked to please remember the following in your prayers ;
Prayer Calendar for December
1st December: We pray for hope in our world where, in too many places, beauty is ruined and masked by the ugliness of war, repression, greed and selfishness. We think of the special work carried out by Amnesty International and pray for all those involved in defending human rights and seeking to end injustice. This Advent, help us to find time to listen to your voice and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. We place our hope in you, Lord, as we prepare to celebrate your birth at Christmas.
Come thou long expected Jesus.
8th December: We pray for peace this week. Lord, you entered our word as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, help us to strive to become the best possible version of ourselves that we can be. Fill us with a deep, inner peace so that we can be equipped to share peace with all those we meet, especially those who need it most. We pray for those living in worn torn countries; may our prayers be heard for the people in those places. May they be able to find some inner peace.
“For unto us a child is born…..and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace”
15th December: We pray for joy as the busy-ness of Christmas starts to intrude on other thoughts. Lord, help us to remember and be grateful for the joy you brought to the world – and into our lives. Please help us to find moments every day to be grateful for all you have given to us. We think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves, especially those who are unwell or lonely and for whom life is a struggle. May we do all we can to brighten someone’s day.
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come…….let every heart prepare him room.”
22nd December: We pray for love. Jesus, you are the light of the world and you encourage us to bring light and love in to the hearts of others. Christmas is drawing ever closer. Please help us to be grateful for the love which you give to each and every one of us. May our hearts be open to receive your love so that we can use it to transform every aspect of our lives and enable us to show kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness and love to others. We think especially of the homeless and those who may be hungry or lonely. We pray for all those who will be working this Christmas, in hospitals and many other places, caring for others.
Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine,
Love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign
29th December: God surprised us, coming here on Christmas Day. Who would think that a child would be given to us to lead the way and teach us how to live our lives? May we strive for greater sense and meaning in our lives and in so doing encourage many voices to sing loudly proclaiming Jesus as our Lord and King. As we move towards a new year, we give thanks for the various ways in which we have been able to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Saviour. May we continue to find and share with others hope, peace, joy and love.
Now let people sing, ‘Praise to God we bring. “Peace on earth” we hail the blessing sent from heaven for our possessing, Jesus, Saviour, King!’
Prayer Calendar for January
5th January - World Braille Day
A day to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people. We give thanks for Your gift of sight and our ability to look in awe at the wonderful world You gave us.
12th January - As we settle into a new year, we look forward to new challenges. Show us the way, Lord, that we go forward confident that we are doing you will. We may meet barriers, be at our side as we work to overcome them.
19th January - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one, we pray for the unity of Christians, according to your will. May your spirit help us see the suffering caused by division, and to hope beyond all hope that we see the day when we can all pray together.
26th January - Holocaust Memorial Day
We remember the millions who died during the Holocaust. We pray today for the many millions of people who are still persecuted or imprisoned because of their faith or race. We pray for a world where all are able to live together in harmony.