Sample Intercessions for the Nativity of the Lord - December 24-25, 2005

The Nativity of the Lord
December 24-25, 2005

Things, events, and news items to keep in mind:

• Click here for the readings for the Vigil Mass.
• Click here for the readings for the Mass at Midnight.
• Click here for the readings for the Mass at Dawn.
• Click here for the readings for the Mass During the Day.
• The Christmas season will bring many visitors, travellers, and new faces to your parish. Welcome them with care.
• Monday, December 26, begins the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
• This is a time for remembering the events of the year. 2005 was marked by great tragedy and the constant presence of war.
• The Christmas season calls for more solemnity. Consider having your deacon, cantor, or reader chant the intercessions and using a sung response. You could also use incense during the general intercessions since it is a common sign for prayers rising to heaven.

The following are just samples meant to inspire your work. Use them as ideas for your own assembly's intercessions. Read 10 Principles for Writing Intercessions and Step by Step Guide to help you write your own.


Presider:
Jesus Christ has come in power and glory;
Wisdom has come to teach and guide us;
Emmanuel has come, the hope of all the peoples;
let us lift our voices in prayer with the saints
and cry out with the angels: Glory to God!


For the Church to whom a child is born;
For those who have become children of God;
For the catechumens and all who still seek the infant-king;
For people of faith among whom our God dwells: [pause]
May the Word Made Flesh raise in us a cry for justice,
a shout for joy, and a song of comfort for all people.
We pray to the Lord.

For the world in darkness that has seen a great light;
For all the ends of the earth that have seen the saving power of God;
For nations at war that dream of everlasting peace: [pause]
May the grace of God appear to them, saving them,
training them to live in hope and justice.
We pray to the Lord.

For those in the military far from home;
For peacekeepers here and abroad;
For all who live in places of fear and conflict: [pause]
May every boot and cloak bloodied by war
be transformed by the flame of peace
to become a light shining in the darkness leading them home.
We pray to the Lord.

For those who have suffered this year;
For the unemployed or exploited;
For those unsure of where their next meal will come from;
For those made homeless by natural disaster or economic strife;
For marriages, families, relationships, and promises broken: [pause]
May the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster be smashed by the Lord’s holy arm.
We pray to the Lord.

For those we remember during this season;
For the Jewish people who celebrate the promise of the Lord’s light;
For children born and children hoped for;
For parents-to-be, parents dear,
or parents distanced by miles or fear;
For loved ones ill or close to death;
For all those we keep in our hearts: [pause]
May they receive from God’s mercy grace in place of grace.
We pray to the Lord.

For friends and family who have died
whom we will miss most during this Christmas season,
especially those we now name: [pause]
May Christ who brings glad tidings gather us together
into the eternal light of heaven.
We pray to the Lord.


Presider:
Lord Jesus, Everlasting Light,
shine your mercy upon us and hear our prayers.
Do not let the darkness of doubt overcome us
but stir in us deeper faith in you
for you are the Lord of hosts and your zeal will do this.
We ask this in your name, Emmanuel,
God with us, for ever and ever. Amen.

FILED UNDER: INTERCESSIONS