Presider
Through grace we belong to Jesus Christ. We offer these prayers of intercession confident that God will bless them, through Christ our Lord.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and the bishops who lead us in faith. May their proclamation, revealed to them in the Scriptures, encourage people of our day to look to the Gospel as the word of eternal life.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for leaders of nations and political parties who proclaim a Christian message. May their voices be heard above those who strive to take Christ out of this season of hope.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for families where there is division or tension. May the true spirit of this Christmas season give them the courage to seek healing and find the peace that this will bring.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
As a faith community, let us open our hearts and homes to share our gift of family with those not so blessed.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our family and friends who are ill at this time and for those who care for them.
We commend to your love those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they share in the peace of eternal life promised to us all.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God our Saviour, hear us this day as we stand together in community, our hearts open to your holy word. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.