Lord God, as once again we prepare for Christmas, help us to find time in our busy lives, to reflect upon the wonder of the first coming of your Son to us in Bethlehem. Grant that all who come into our church this Christmas, may renew their relationship with you and rejoice in the birth of Jesus.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we pray for our Church here in Markbeech; for your faithful servant Wendy, and all who serve to the benefit of our community.
Lord, your Church is so full of possibility and yet so vulnerable. It is needed more than ever by our troubled world and yet is often so weak. Stiffen the resolve, we pray, of every member of this church and increase our sense of purpose, so that we may, with renewed vigour, promote the love and hope that belongs in all Christian people.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Living God, we pray for peace in the world and an end to violence. Remind us that we share your world with others, many less fortunate than we are and who may be resentful. Help us to understand their frustration and work for a more equal distribution of your abundant gifts.
We ask that you bestow on our leaders and politicians a desire to work for the good of all and not just to promote their own self-interest. At this moment of destiny for our nation, give our leaders wisdom and clarity of judgement, to make good the mess they have led us into. May they be guided by the teaching of Christ and his disciples, without which our society will lose all sense of direction.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Lord, bless our families and friends and all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ together and love one another as he loves us. Help us to make our homes places of trust and forgiveness, places of sharing, places of peace and goodwill, and unite us all in our praise of you.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you enjoyed the happiness and security of your home in Nazareth and in your ministry gave blessing to small children. We ask that you hold all our children in your love and protection. Help them in their days of childhood to share with others, and so be ready to take their places in the world.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God our Father, we pray for those who are sick, who are anxious, sorrowful, or in any kind of need at this time. We remember them now in the quietness of our hearts.
We know that you love them and know their every need far better than we do. We ask that you bless them with your love and reassurance.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, we pray for those who have died in the faith of Christ. We thank you for the joy of sharing our lives with them.
We pray for those who mourn. Open their minds that they may find a new direction in life, and grant them the comfort of your presence.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, be with us throughout this Advent season.
Take away our greed and teach us to give as you gave,
Show us your ways, teach us your paths,
That we may walk with you more closely,
Our hand in your hand,
Our feet in your footsteps,
From the baby in a stable and on into eternity.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen