living prayers - contemporary prayers for today

contemporary prayers for today

christmas prayers

Christmass Tree

The word "Christmas" is a compound of two words, "Christ" and "mass". The first word means "anointed one", and the second word refers to the sacrament of the Eucharist. Hence the Christian festival of Christmas is a celebration of the anointed one, Jesus "The word of God" becoming flesh and dwelling amongst us.

This page features several inspiring prayer examples for Christmas day services, school assemblies and family gatherings. There are two rhyming prayer poems for primary aged school children to say, one for use specifically on Christmas day and another which thanks God for Christmas time. There are also some beautiful prayers for adults to read, with a grace blessing for Christmas dinner, and a short prayer for a friend for writing in a card or sending as a message.


Christmas prayers for children

A Christmas day prayer

(a prayer suitable for a child to say at a Christmas day service or as a Nativity Prayer)


Little baby Jesus was born upon this day
Lying in a manger, laid upon soft hay.
His mother Mary cared for him,
His dad Joseph felt proud,
To be given such a precious boy,
They felt safe within Gods plans.
Shepherds came to greet him,
Wise men carried gifts,
And gave them to the baby,
They knew he would be king.

So we too on Christmas day
Come to worship him.
And celebrate, with love and hope,
To play and laugh and sing.
We love the lights upon the tree,
The presents and the food.
We share this special time together
And say our God is good.
So good he sent us Jesus
To walk and shine the way,
For us all to follow him,
Into a heavenly day.

Amen.


a christmas prayer for children

Cheeky Monkey TV is a fun way of helping children learn about prayer! In this episode, we learn a very special prayer that reveals the true meaning of Christmas:-


My home is full of happiness

(A thank you rhyming prayer poem for Christmas appropriate for primary school aged children to say)


My home is full of happiness
My stockings filled with treats
My Christmas tree has twinkly lights
Mum's cooking us a feast.
My church is full of singing
My heart is full of joy
My nativity has the last piece
A little baby boy.

My bible tells me of his life
My mind is filled with tales
My prayer is full of thankfulness
Because on this very day -
The son of God came down to earth
To teach us right from wrong,
And spread forgiveness through the world
Today true love was born.

And so we celebrate this day
With presents, trees and lights.
We play fun games with loved ones
And eat food that's really nice.
For this day is the birthday of
A precious little boy,
Sent to save the world forever
Sent to bring us joy.



A Christmas Blessing

A short Christmas message suitable for sending to a friend or posting on social media (such as facebook etc):-

download this film in HD at prayerscapes

Christmas prayer for adults

Christmas Day Prayer

(a prayer suitable for a Christmas service or meeting)


Lord God,

Today may we not only unwrap presents,
But may we discover more of your love.
Today may we not only eat on festive food,
But may we feast on your faith.
Today may we not only cherish happy times with family and friends,
But may we invite you into our lives.
Today may we not only sing carols that celebrate your birth,
But may we dwell upon the resurrected Christ alive this moment.
Living Lord, we long to discover your love, feast on your truth, invite you into our lives and thank you for your sacrifice. Amidst the presents, food and family we long to celebrate Christmas with you.

Amen.


Christmas Eve prayer
read a beautiful prayer poem for Christmas Eve as you prepare for this festive season.

Christmas dinner prayer
(Short grace before meals)

Lord of heaven and earth,
We join today with Christians past and present to celebrate your birth.
Bind us together as one family with your love.
Thank you for your sacrifice Lord.
Today we eat and and give thanks your birth, life and resurrection.
We share this food, our lives and our hearts with one another,
In memory of you, our Saviour and Lord.

Amen.


"My nativity has the last piece, a little baby boy"

quotes about christmas in the bible

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

(Luke 2:10-11, NIV)


"In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God."

(John 1:1, CEV)


"a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

(Isaiah 9:6, NLT)


"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."
(Roy L. Smith)


Short Christmas Prayer for a Friend

(suitable as a message in a card)


May this Christmas day be fill of peace within your heart.
May you be reminded of new birth, and of redeeming love.
May you dwell within each moment and savour all you have.
May you find hope and power to pray for things that make you sad.
May your heart be ever thankful and your faith rise up high in praise.
May you know you're loved and treasured on this very special day.