크리스마스 절기에 드리는 prayers of people

# The Nativity of our Lord + Christmas EveDecember 24, 1997
P or A: We celebrate the long-awaited birth of our Savior this night. Knowing thatin Christ God hears our prayers, we pray in Jesus' name and respond, "Amen."

A: Heavenly Father, unto us a child has been born, becoming both our life and ourhope. We praise you for this child, for the children in this congregation, and in ourlives. Grant us patience with children, and enable us to see the world through theireyes, for Jesus taught that we must become as little children if we are to enter thekingdom. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: Almighty God, you have promised the return of your Son, when the world will bejudged with justice and righteousness. Inspire our political leaders to strive forjustice and equality in our own time, that we, as a people, might reflect your will. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: Glorious God, we are called to sing to you a new song of rejoicing on this day.Keep our hearts and minds open to new and inspired songs, prayers, and forms ofworship, that we might reflect your living, dynamic Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

A: Loving God, the image of the family shines in the story of the birth of Christ.Protect families from violence, discord, and rivalry as you strengthen fathers,mothers, sisters, and brothers with the bonds of love. We pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

A: Compassionate God, we celebrate the beginning of Jesus' life among us, a lifedevoted to healing and serving all in need. Bestow the comforting and healingpower of Jesus upon your servants __________ , and on all those whom we name inour hearts. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

P: Heavenly Father, we trust you to hear and answer our prayers, though the form ofyour answer may be unexpected. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,whose glorious birth we celebrate this night. Amen.

#The Nativity of our Lord + Christmas DayDecember 25, 1997

P or A: Today we tell the story of the birth of Christ--a story familiar, yet wondrous,revealing the mystery of the Word made flesh. We pray in Jesus' name, and respond"Amen."

A: Almighty God, let the members of your whole church be messengers to all thenations, announcing peace and salvation, and bringing good news to all. Instill in ussensitivity as we preach the gospel, and inspire us to live the example of Christ who,though a King, chose to serve. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: O God of love and compassion, open the eyes and hearts of the nations to yourgospel, that they may learn of your love and saving grace. We pray that throughgreater knowledge of you, the peoples of the world may learn to live in harmonywith one another. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: Merciful God, look with compassion on all those who suffer in abusiverelationships. Grant them the courage to share their pain, and us the strength andwillingness to help, that we might reflect your advocacy for victims of violence. Wepray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: O God, we offer our thanks for the Word which has dwelt among us in your SonJesus Christ, and for the holy scriptures which you have placed in our hands. In ourchurch schools, confirmation classes, Bible study groups, and individual lives, drawus to the diligent study of the Bible, that we might hear your voice clearly speaking.We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

P: Heavenly Father, through the waters of baptism you have claimed us as your ownand incorporated us into salvation's history. We humbly thank you for yourabundant grace. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

#Holy InnocentsDecember 28, 1997
P or A: We lift up the concerns of this world and those of our hearts, praying inJesus' name, and responding "Amen."

A: Ever-present God, in the midst of the glorious story of Christmas is a tale of greatsadness in the slaughter of the holy innocents. Remind your church that its praiseand rejoicing at the birth of your Son must not stifle the cries of a world in pain, andthat even in this time of celebration, we are to care for those in need. We pray inJesus' name. Amen.

A: God of comfort, we pray that you would strengthen all organizations andindividuals devoted to protecting children who suffer poverty, abuse, and neglect. May they act as Christ did in gathering children unto him, and may their work turnour cries of lamentation into protective action. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: God of justice, provide refugees with safe passage to Canada. As the HolyFamily safely fled persecution and found sanctuary in Egypt, so inspire us asChristians to be welcoming neighbours to refugees who enter into our midst. Wepray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: Compassionate God, it can be difficult to be faithful in a world which oftenstrives for human glory instead of the glory of God. When we are most anxious tohide the light that is you, remind us that in sharing the suffering and persecution ofChrist crucified, we will also share in the glory that is his. We pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

A: God of healing, we pray for the sick and the dying in our midst, especially__________ , and those whom we name in our hearts... , that their pain be turnedinto comfort and their tears be turned to joy. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

P: Heavenly Father, hear our prayers. Guide us by your Holy Spirit as we go into theworld to proclaim your goodness. Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

#Second Sunday after ChristmasJanuary 4, 1998
P or A: We are forgiven of our sins and called the people of God through ourbaptism. Let us offer the petitions of this community and of the whole churchsaying "We pray in Jesus' name," and responding, "Amen."

A: God of love and forgiveness, you desire that your church be a model of yourgodly love. We confess that we have often strayed from your will and been caughtin sinful desires for wealth and power. Forgive us and strengthen us as we seek todraw ever closer to your example of love and grace. We pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

A: God of justice, look with pity upon all those throughout the world who suffer theravages of war. Give to relief organizations both the means and the will to carry outtheir difficult and dangerous work. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: O God, you have called us your own through the waters of baptism. You call usalso to offer to you the gifts which you have first given us--gifts of music, drama,leadership, and prayer. Encourage each of us to take an active role in worshipaccording to our gifts. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A: Ever-present God, we pray for the youth in our congregation who live in a worldwhose future appears bleak. Still their anger and lift them from despair with the lightof your promised salvation, and the hope that belongs to all the baptized. We pray inJesus' name. Amen.

A: God of comfort and mercy, we pray for the sick and the dying in our midst,especially __________. Offer your comfort and strength both to those who sufferand all who in love suffer with them. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.P: We receive with gladness your gift of salvation and heed your call to service. Wepray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen