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Prayer for Christmas and Sunday 27 December

Prayer for Christmas and Sunday 27 December

We continue to pray for Lebanon and West Papua in the month of December. You can include these prayers into you Prayers of Intercession or Pastoral Prayers. We do ask that you pray for both countries equally. To receive these prayers by email each week, subscribe to our prayer list.

Prayer for Lebanon

Christmas:

The good tidings and joy of this Christmas season fills our lives. In the midst of this joyous season give us the spirit to remember those who lack some of the things we take for granted like electricity and water. Amid the political uncertainty in Lebanon may your church proclaim the good news of the birth of your Son who brings joy and peace that floods the hearts of all.

December 27:

God of new things
We have come to love the tabouleh and hummus and many other Lebanese foods. As we enjoy them in the comfort that Australia provides for us, help us remember that in Lebanon the economic and political situations are volatile, threatened by all that is happening in the Middle East. Renew the faith of the people of Lebanon to rebuild their country on stronger foundations and give them anew peace, joy, hope and love that they may live in your Spirit.

Prayer for West Papua

Christmas:

Eternal God,
In a Spirit of Christmas, may the humble message we find in the Christ child lift us into your presence, where we experience the joy of your amazing grace. Allow the people of West Papua the dignity of knowing your affirming presence. Grant them courage to remain faithful to your calling as agents of reconciliation and peace.

December 27:

God of peace,
Bring together the Communion of Churches in Indonesia and the Council of Churches in Australia to speak in the voice of Christ, bringing healing to the broken and suffering communities of West Papua. Grant the perpetrators of violence and abuse hearts of compassion; turn their guns into plowshares, their machetes into pruning hooks. We pray for reconciliation between Indonesia and its people in West Papua through peaceful dialogue and just outcomes for all.