These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

For the Church: that our hearts may leap for joy as we recognize God-with-us in the people and events of our lives

For all believers: that we, like Mary, may believe that God will do great things in and through our ordinariness

For a spirit of joy: that we may be grateful for all the gifts and opportunities that God offers us and rejoice in the blessings which come to us each day

For new parents and expectant parents: that God will bless their children with health and help them to care for and nurture their children both physically and spiritually

For all couples desiring to conceive: that God will fulfill their wish and help them to witness faith, hope, and love to their children

For all children who are at risk, who have run away, who are in institutional settings, or who have been trafficked: that God will guide them to someone whom they can trust and bring them to safety

For all who live in Bethlehem and the hill country of Judah; for Christians, Jews, and Muslims: that God’s Spirit will open new pathways of peace and dialogue and bring forth new hope for all who live in fear

For spiritual companions and guides: that we may each find a wise and trusted soul who will accompany us as we discover how God is at work in us and the world around us

For refugees who have fled violence or oppression: that God will protect them from harm, give them strength to face their challenges, and guide them to places of safety

For anyone experiencing fear, anxiety, or depression: that the birth of Christ may bring light into their lives and freedom to their hearts

For all who are traveling during this season: that they may arrive safely and have renewing visits with family and friends

For all who are away from home during the Christmas season, particularly missionaries, aid workers, and members of the military: that God will fill their hearts with peace and reunite them with loved ones in the New Year

For all whose lives seem unimportant: that they may learn from Mary and listen for God’s call and cooperate with God’s saving plan through their lives and deeds

For the sick: that God will heal all who are suffering, give them hope, and renew the strength of all who are caring for them

For Peace: that our celebration of God-with-us, may bring an end to family feuds, social unrest, warfare, and violence and bring forth the reign of justice and peace amongst all people