Published:
Mon Dec 15 '14
Author:
ChristChurch London
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Carol Service, Christmas, everlasting father, Isaiah 9, mighty god, prayer, prince of peace, wonderful counsellor, worship
‘To us a child is born, and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9:6)
Wonderful Counsellor, who orders all things by his wisdom. We ask that you would draw close to us and fill us with your assurance and love. In our weakness and our strength, our joy and our pain, our plenty and our need, may we know you as Emmanuel – God with us.
Mighty God, in whose hands is justice and upon whose shoulders rests all power and government. We pray for the leaders of our nations, asking that you would guide them with your wisdom. May they defend the cause of those in need, and stand for integrity, justice and truth.
Everlasting Father. Would you extend your Fatherly love to all those in need and strengthen the families and communities of which we are a part. Bring comfort to the lonely, strength to the weak, and security to the vulnerable. Would you bless and protect those who are elderly or unwell, console all who grieve, and draw near to those who lack the warmth and security of family. May they know your peace in their hearts over this Christmas period.
Prince of Peace. We bring before you the many conflict situations in our world right now: in Syria, Ukraine, Iraq and many more. Would you hear the cries of those experiencing great suffering and would you intervene. We pray for the wounded and injured; for the bereaved and displaced; for those separated from family members and those living in constant fear; for the hungry, the homeless; refugees and exiles. We ask that you would be a source of comfort and peace to them, and would you bring healing, wholeness and restoration to their lives.
As we celebrate Christmas, when you came to Earth as a child, we also look forward to the day when you will return as King, to bring an end to hostility, bitterness and hate once and for all and to make this world new.
We worship and honour you, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Amen
Image: Candles 3 by Daniel Go, used under CC
