Prayers of Thanksgiving, Intercession, and Petition

Shared during Sunday Worship on December 28, 2025.

Incarnate God, with the angels we glorify your name, and with your servant Mary we treasure the good news of your coming in our hearts. We thank you for all that you have given us. For times of rest and relaxation; for friends and family to cherish; for warm shelter on cold days; for communities that nurture us. We are especially thankful for your presence with us. You have spoken to us through your prophets and lived among us in Christ. And you continue to dwell among us, speaking to us through your Word, guiding us by your Spirit, and drawing us to you through worship and the sacraments. It is easy to forget that your presence is a precious gift. For that gift, dear Lord, we give you thanks and praise.

Glorious God, when the angels announced your Son’s coming, they proclaimed your will for deep and lasting peace. We pray for the redemption of the world from the forces of evil, for the growth of your Kingdom, for reconciliation and renewal. 

• We lift up all the nations of the world, especially Ukraine and Russia, Israel, Palestine and Syria, Nigeria and Venezuela, and all other countries facing violent conflict. 

• We pray for our own nation, that our shared life will be characterized by justice and that we will be a source of peace throughout the world.

• We pray for New York City and its leaders, that they will seek the common good in all that they do, and that they will promote harmony and the flourishing of all the city’s residents.

• We pray for the church universal, its mission, and its leaders, that together we will bear fruitful witness to your grace for all people. And we pray for our congregation, especially for our ministries and ministry partners. May we be a beacon of hope and a source of light for all those who need it.

• Finally, Lord, we pray for those with particular needs during this Christmas season: for all who are sick or suffering; for all who are isolated or lonely; for all who are weighed down by anxiety or sorrow. Comfort, comfort your people, O God.

Gracious God, make your presence felt in each situation, and empower us to be instruments of your peace. We pray this in the name of he who took on flesh and lived among us, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.