A Christmas Prayer

Written by Jolene DeHeer
Classis Prayer Coordinator

Have you ever felt you just don’t know what to pray? Whenever I find myself in those places of not knowing what to say, I have discovered that praying scripture not only gives me words to say, but it also taps into the immeasurable power that is God.

Our journey through the season of Advent is filled with anticipation of celebrating the first coming of Jesus Christ. But it is also filled with news of a world stricken with a pandemic, conflict, and division and that can be disheartening.

So, my Advent gift to you is this prayer based on the familiar and beautiful promise of Isaiah 9:6:

For to us a child is born,

Thank you, gracious Father, for the precious gift of new life – the new human life that was a baby in a manger all those years ago as well as the new spiritual life we all can possess because that baby grew to be a man who died on the cross for us. Help us to live this new life boldly, passionately, and obediently before you as your faithful disciples. 

to us a son is given,

Father, our hearts are filled with the deepest gratitude for the gift of your only Son. Our finite minds cannot begin to grasp the scope of your love for Him or for us. Jesus, we will never be able to comprehend the love that kept you on that cross. You could have stopped at any time, but you knew without you, we would have no hope and you knew your Father’s will so you gave your very life for us. Thank you for your selfless obedience and sacrifice. Help us to love others as you love us.

and the government will be on his shoulders.

Lord Jesus, we praise you that you were both God and man. As God you have all wisdom and knowledge to know how to rule with justice and righteousness. You are compassionate and merciful, and you rule with grace. As a man you understand how difficult it is to deal with the brokenness of this world. Help us to remember that you are still on the throne, ruling with power and might. Help us to grow in our trust in you and give us the ability to rest in the assurance that you will never leave us or forsake us.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor

Lord you are our Counselor in so many ways and we thank you. Thank you for being the one who listens to our problems and speaks truth, grace, and healing to us from your Word. Thank you for being the source of all wisdom who longs to share that wisdom with us. Thank you for being our guide and leading us by your Spirit and your Word in paths of righteousness. Help us to open our hearts and minds to receive you as the Wonderful Counselor.  

Mighty God,

Our hearts are filled with awe and wonder as we try to comprehend that the gift of the Christ child eventually led  to the gift of being able to have an intimate relationship with you. Jesus, along with the Father and the Spirit, you were there when the world was created. You have power to control the forces of nature, to cast out demons, to heal diseases, to forgive repentant sinners, to provide atonement for all humanity. With love and wonder we join the heavenly beings and declare, “Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Heaven and Earth are filled with your glory!”

Everlasting Father, 

The beauty of the trinity is a mystery to us, but one that we embrace in faith and for which we thank and praise you. Thank you for loving and cherishing us as your children, for giving our lives purpose and value, for never abandoning us. Help us to daily draw near to you and enjoy the blessing of your presence.

Prince of Peace.

We are living in a world that is filled with discord, chaos, disunity, divisions, hatred, biases, and so much more. But you shine the light of your grace into the darkness as our Prince of Peace and we bow before you in worship and gratitude for this great gift. Your sacrifice brings unity, love, justice, and mercy which all enhance the gift of peace we long for and treasure. Help us to be purveyors of peace and reflect your light wherever we are.

AMEN!!