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 through loving acceptance, sharing faith, and fostering hope
For all children who are at risk, for those who have run away, those who are in institutional settings and those 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 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 the ways in which God is at work in us and in the world around us
For refugees, for those fleeing violence and for all who are oppressed: that God will protect them from harm, give them strength to face their challenges and guide them to places of safety
For all who have experienced abuse: that God will heal their wounds and memories, guide them to a new awareness of their dignity and free them from fear
For anyone touched by fear, anxiety, or depression: that the birth of Christ may bring light 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 who are caring for the gravely ill or elderly family members: that God will renew their strength and help them to be instruments of God’s loving presence
For greater respect for human life: that the witness of the child leaping in the womb may remind all that life is a gift from God
For the gift of peace: that God will open new pathways for understanding and cooperation within families and between nations so that all may be free of pain and fear