Prayer Guide 12/24/23

“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations...”

Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.”

Heavenly Father, we pause this morning on the eve of Christmas to remember the true light that has come into the world, your Son our Savior, Jesus Christ. We gather today in his light to give you thanks, to bring our offering of praise, to hear your good news proclaimed, and to bring to you both our gifts and our burdens.

This morning, Father, we pray especially for those who still sit in darkness:

For those who experience the darkness of war, in Ukraine and Russia, in Jerusalem and Gaza. Let your light shine and restore peace. Lord, hear our prayer.

Yes, Lord, amen.

For those who are experiencing the darkness of facing Christmas without a loved one, or with brokenness in their homes and families. May your light shine and restore relationships. Lord, hear our prayer.

Yes, Lord, amen.

For those whose darkness comes in the form of depression and mental health issues, and from addiction and trauma. Let your light shine to restore their minds. Lord, hear our prayer.

Yes, Lord, amen.

For those who experience the darkness of unhealed bodies and unanswered prayer. Let your light shine to restore their hope. Lord, hear our prayer.

Yes, Lord, amen.

For those who are walking in spiritual darkness, separated from you, unaware of your love. Let your light shine to restore their soul. Lord, hear our prayer.

Yes, Lord, amen.

And because we have not lived in your light as we should, we take this moment to repent. We have sinned in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart, and we have not loved our neighbor as our self. We especially repent of the sins that you are bringing to our mind right now: _________________. Lord, please forgive us. And as the promise of your word makes clear: 1 John 1:8–9 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We receive your forgiveness. Lord, hear our prayer.

Yes, Lord, amen.

Father God, you have given us your Son, who took our human nature upon himself through a virgin birth: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.