Heavenly Father,
You are in control — in control of the light, of the night, and of our lives.
We turn to You for peace this season, for comfort, and for joy. We enter by your grace into your communion — the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Help us immerse our thinking in Your humility, Your love, Your wisdom, Your truth, Your wellness. During this season, we are busy with festivities. And then sometimes we pause to look back over our year with you. We catch glimpses of the wellness of soul that You have made possible. Thank you for the many good promises you have fulfilled for us. It is well with our souls!
Give us courage to approach You and to fully live into the salvation You bring to us this season.
We need Your light and Your revelation. We ask for the light of Jesus to be cast on the dark places in us as individuals and in our community. Shine Your powerful, purifying presence and light
- In India. Shine your wisdom in the hearts of students. Give lasting hope to Muslim immigrants facing the loss of security and home.
- Shine along the US Mexico border. Bring justice and hope to those seeking a new life.
- Shine in the hearts of those dispersed by oppression and violence all around the world that they may know their true worth in your eyes.
- Shine in our hearts to drive out the spirit of domination that would crush another person and refuse them the dignity of your creation.
We bow to Your sovereign will and trust Your goodness to redeem what seems lost.
When we sing “Joy to the World” we make that our prayer, so you can bring Your eternal joy into every sphere of our lives. You are our strength and our Joy.
In Jesus’ Name.
Please join me in praying the Lord’s prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one;
for yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.
Amen.