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

Joe Milner

For the Church: that like Mary and Joseph, we may face the future with faith and trust in God, no matter what trials or uncertainties may stand before us

For healings of relationships in our families: that the Spirit of God will show us how to love one another more deeply, support one another each day, and forgive one another generously

For all married couples: that they may continually find new ways of growing in love and of supporting one another with heartfelt compassion and patience

For all children: that they may appreciate the gift of their parents and grow in wisdom and virtue each day

For all engaged couples: that they may continue to discover how God has gifted them to each other and how they can help each other grow in faith and love 

For deeper awareness: that each member of a family may recognize their responsibilities to one another and fulfill them with compassion, kindness and patience

For all who have no families and for those who are alienated from or rejected by their families: that they may experience love and acceptance through this Christian community

For parents of missing or run-away children: that God will watch over and protect their child from harm, and open a pathway for them to reconnect

For patience for parents:  that God will help parents to be patient as their daughters and sons mature and begin to develop their own lives

For those who are experiencing divorce: that the Christ Child may bring healing and hope to their hearts

For all immigrants and refugees: that God will guide and sustain them, help them to make new friends, and lead them to places of safety and new beginnings

For families who have fled warfare and violence: that they may stay bonded as a family,
persevere through hardship, and continue to support and encourage one another

For the unborn and for newborn infants: that our celebration of God's first born might inspire us to work for the good of all children

For greater appreciation of human life: that God will guide us in nurturing and protecting all human life

For families suffering from financial crisis or unemployment: that God will open new opportunities for parents to use their gifts and to provide for their children

For the people of Bethlehem and all the holy land: that God will inspire leaders in undoing injustices and wounds, in ending violence, and in establishing a just and lasting peace for all inhabitants of the land

For all who are away from family during this Christmas season, for missionaries, aid workers, and members of the military: that God will protect them from danger, bolster their spirits, and reunite them with loved ones in the New Year

For peace amongst nations, ethnic groups, religions, and in our city streets: that God’s love made visible in the Christ Child may turn hearts from violence and open new paths of peace and justice