Advent 4

 As it was my turn recently to lead the prayers of intercession at Church, I looked again at the Christmas story, and realised the characters there 2000 years ago can inform our praying today...

Palestine was a land under occupation, Roman soldiers everywhere – we pray today for those caught up in war, especially for the people of Ukraine. Lord send your peace to those people

Mary and Joseph found no room at the inn – Lord we pray for all who are homeless, and will have nowhere safe to sleep tonight, many sheltering in shop doorways in this bitter cold weather. Bless Crisis, and other agencies working to help them. We remember especially this morning those made homeless by the explosion on Jersey yesterday – praying for the injured, and bereaved, and the emergencies services still dealing with the aftermath of that tragedy.

The shepherds out in the field were the least and lowest in society – we pray for all those who are marginalised, neglected or abused. For all those who feel alone and excluded, whether because of race, ability, education, or sexuality- Father help them to know that you love them, and may they hear the message of the Good News this Christmas, and know they have a place in your Kingdom

The wise men had power, financially and intellectually – we pray for our Government, and those in authority. Father grant them wisdom, grace and a desire for justice. Especially at this time of industrial action help them to find fair solutions and an equitable distribution of wealth in our nation.

King Herod was afraid that Jesus would usurp his power, and was eager to destroy him. We thank you for the faith of our late Queen and her acknowledgement of you as King of Kings. We pray for King Charles in his new role as our Monarch, that he too will live a life of faith and service.

Herod’s cruelty meant that the holy family had to flee to Egypt for safety, refugees from his persecution. We ask that you will be with all those seeking a safe place to live and raise their families. We pray that our government will implement a more caring policy to those in desperate need of sanctuary.

And finally we think of the babe in the manger. Lord bless all babies and children at this time. Of such is your Kingdom of Heaven. We pray for those little ones in our own families, we thank you for all the children who came into the chapel for parties and school Nativity plays last week – and we ask that you will help us to teach them your truths, that they may grow to know you as Saviour and Lord. And we pray for those bereaved families in Solihull, our hearts ache for them in this awful tragedy. Jesus, comfort all who mourn

We bring these prayers today 

in the name of the one who came down to earth from heaven, born to be our Saviour – through Jesus Christ, Amen