Prayers of the People: Blue Christmas


Here’s a prayer of intercession for a “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” service during Advent.  It was posted on the Sermons and Sermon-Lectionary Resources website.

Prayer of Intercession:  Blue Christmas

In the spirit of this season
let us now confidently ask God for
all the things we need;
for ourselves as we participate in whatever way we can this Christmas.
God hear our prayer....
And in your mercy answer.

For our families and friends,
that they may continue to help and support us.
God, hear our prayer....
And in your mercy answer.

For the person we have loved that has died.
For all the losses that we know,
that all may be redeemed by your Easter promise.
God, hear our prayer.
And in your mercy answer.

For all our family and friends
that they may know love and peace and happiness in you.
God, hear our prayer.
And in your mercy answer.

For the peace proclaimed by the Christmas angels,
to come throughout the whole world.
God, hear our prayer....
And in your mercy answer.

God of great compassion and love,
listen to the prayers of these your people.
Grant to all,
especially the bereaved and troubled ones this Christmas,
the blessing we ask in the name of Christ
who taught us to pray together saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven.....

~ from a Blue Christmas service by the First United Church in Kelowna, BC.  Published in Whole People of God 1996-1997.  Posted on the Kir-shalom website. http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/bluexmas.php