Daily Prayers Friday, 24 December 2021

by Ian Trimnell · 24 December 2021

Prayers for the Day, Friday

Welcome, everyone, to Friday’s prayers.

On the last day of Advent, we can say emphatically

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Each year during Advent we speak of Jesus coming into a world of darkness. This year may have become brighter for some, but for other people, there seems to be plenty of darkness in their lives. On-going anxiety about the coronavirus; people separated from those they love; loneliness which has increased for many people because of their ongoing isolation.

So let us bring some light into these dark corners by offering our cares and concerns to God, in the sure knowledge that he will listen and lighten our load.

Loving God, how can we thank you for the gift of Jesus, coming into a dark and troubled world, to bring light to those who know and love him.

We pray for all who have suffered bereavement, whether due to the coronavirus or to other factors.

May they feel the comfort of your presence.

We pray for those nursing people who are suffering with the coronavirus, unsure whether they will be amongst those who recover, or not.

We pray for those with other medical conditions whose treatment has been delayed.

We pray for all those who face an uncertain future, especially if they feel unsupported at this time.

Give peace to all who are anxious. Open their eyes to see the light and enable them to feel the guiding hand of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Let us pray for people in other countries, where the onset of the coronavirus is at its worst and where vaccines are less readily available.

We pray for people everywhere who live in overcrowded accommodation, where social distancing is impossible.

We pray for people who live where the demands on medical services have reached saturation point, praying for those who are anxious, but whose wait to see a doctor seems interminable.

We pray for medical staff, many of whom are exhausted and have witnessed the lonely death of so many patients, and who may have lost colleagues and friends to the virus too.

Loving God, bring your peace into these situations. Calm the anxiety and stress which makes any condition worse. Reassure those who work in hospitals and medical centres that they can only do their best, and that what they do is appreciated.

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

We pray for all who have been bereaved, whether this is recent, or a past loss still leaves a gaping hole in their lives.

We pray for children who have lost their parents and for parents who have lost their children

We pray for all who are alone, especially any who feel isolated and friendless.

Stay alongside them. May they feel the comfort and peace of your presence in their daily lives.

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

And now, we pray in the words of Sr Bridgetta Rooney of CAFOD

Christ, come into our world of darkness
Light up our lives with your coming.
Fulfil all our longings with the joy of your birth
Strengthen our resolve to work for change in our world
And to share the hope of your birth that each Advent brings.
Amen.