Author: THERESA JACOBSON

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2024
SOWeR Site - © Sola Publishing, 2018
(permission granted to active subscribers to reproduce this sheet for local congregational use)

Prayer of the Day
Historical Collect 
Almighty God, grant that the new birth of your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set free all who are held in servitude under the yoke of sin; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 
(Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect 
God of majesty, open our eyes to see the light of your presence in the world around us revealed through the birth of your Son, Jesus, who took on our human existence. Sustain us through the Word made flesh so that in these last days we might be your body in the world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord; who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen.

Prayers of the Church
For the Gift of Faith
Gracious Father, we love you, we adore you, and we worship you. You are the only true God who came to us as the Word in the flesh. We thank you for your love found in the manger and on the cross. Sustain us always with the gift of faith, that we might believe in Jesus as our Lord and receive the gift of eternal life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Wisdom and Mercy
Lord God grant us the wisdom to recognize your will in our lives and the strength to let our light shine in the darkness and loneliness of this world. Make us your merciful people who reach out to all in need, proclaiming your life-saving love in the infant Jesus. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the Good News 
How beautiful are the people who share your good news with the world. Grant us the words to speak your truth into a hurting world in need of hope. May our lives reflect your radiant love and forgiveness that comes to us in your Son. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Comfort and Healing 
Gracious God, you are the strength of all who seek you and the rest of the souls of those who wait silently for you. Comfort all who suffer with chronic pain or illness, [especially … .]  Bring to them your tender embrace of healing and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.