Prayers for December
Sharing God’s love with our community
[Jesus said] “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’”
Matthew 6:9
This month please pray for the residents of Metcombe, Fluxton & Tipton Vale.
An Advent Prayer – Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ.
‘Follow the Star: Calm and Bright’ is the Church of England’s theme for this Advent and Christmas online. Pray that these creative resources may inspire us all to reach out with the good news of Jesus.
Following the vote in Parliament to approve the second reading of the Assisted Dying Bill please pray for all our MPs over the coming months as they continue their discussions on this very serious issue, that the most vulnerable in our society will be protected and the value of human life in the eyes of God will be upheld.
1st December – Mission Community Advent Carol Service – As we come together from across all the parishes of our Mission Commun-ity may our voices lift to heaven as one in worship of our God and King.
Lord of Peace, we give thanks for the recent ceasefire in Lebanon and pray that it may lead to a lasting truce. We hold before you too those returning home to find ruin and devastation – give them hope as they seek to rebuild their lives and communities that they may be safe from further attacks.
Following the COP29 UN Climate Conference in Baku we ask, Creator God, that promises of support to developing nations suffering the con-sequences of Western industrialisation will be honoured. May the aid money reach those in need and support livelihoods impacted by the climate crisis.
10th December – on the 76th Anniversary of the UN Declara-tion of Human Rights we pray that all nations on earth would respect the protections it enshrines for the benefit of all peoples.
18th December – On International Migrants Day we pray for the plight of all migrants, fleeing their homelands just as the infant Jesus did. We pray especially for those trying to escape the wars in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine, may they find safe refuge and peace in their hearts.
We pray the Father‘s blessing on all who are mourning at this time, especially those who are facing their first Christmas apart from a loved one; may he bring comfort through the Holy Spirit’s loving presence.
20th December – Please pray for the pupils and staff of Tipton School as they end the term with a Christingle service in church. May God grant them rest, joy and good health through the Christmas holidays and may they know in their hearts the wonder of Christ’s love come to earth.
20th & 22nd December – Venn Ottery and Tipton Carol Services – As we come together to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child pray that such joy may fill our hearts that it overflows into our communities so that all may know the love of God this Christmas and always.
O Lord our Creator and Father of all, we pray for all those who are unwell at this time. Bless them, and those who serve their needs, that they may put their whole trust in you. Where it is your will bring healing, and where it is not grant the grace to endure in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
24th December – Christmas Eve –– Almighty God, as we prepare with joy to celebrate the gift of the Christ-child, embrace the earth with your glory and be for us a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
25th December – Christmas Day – God our Father, today the Saviour is born and those who live in darkness are seeing a great light. Help us, who greet the birth of Christ with joy, to live in the light of your Son and to share the good news of your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the light who has come into the world. Amen.
27th December – Feast of St John the Evangelist – Merciful Lord, cast your bright beams of light upon the Church: that, being enlightened by the teaching of your blessed apostle and evangelist St John, we may so walk in the light of your truth that we may at last attain to the light of everlasting life.
31st December – New Year’s Eve – Eternal Lord, as we reach the end of another year we give you thanks for the constancy of your love for us. As a New Year approaches remain with us and within us by your Spirit; be our ever-present help and eternal hope. And may we remain your faithful, loving servants, through whatever 2025 may bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Time spent in prayer is never wasted.”
Francis Fenelon