God whom we await,

we pray for your world;

for leaders who, like Mary, say yes to your radical call

to bring justice and fairness, 

and compassion for your vulnerable ones.

We pray for God-bearers who, with great courage,

bring hope in places of despair

and light in places of darkness:

help us to be such people, answering your call, walking your way,

trusting you no matter where our journeys take us.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

God whom we await,

we pray for your church 

that it will be a place of hope, love and courage:

that we will be attentive to your call.

We pray for this church:

help us to reach out to our parish

so people will come to know your love,

find friendship and hope,

and to follow you

who calls each of your children to new life.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

God of hope,

we pray for all whose hope is wavering,

for all who live in darkness and despair,

for all who look at the coming Christmas season with dread.

We pray that you will sustain the hope of those who are frail and ill:

that you will breathe hope into those who are dying

and give hope for the future 

to those who are bereaved.

Bless us – you who are the source of all blessings.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

As Christmas draws near,

we give thanks for the many ways in which you bless us:

for family and friends,

for Christmas lights shining in the darkness,

for the carols we love to sing,

the food we will share together,

and, most of all,

for the gift of Jesus who showed us the way to live

and lived and died out of love for us.

Give us hearts to rejoice this Christmas.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

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