Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/850297
A BIDDING PRAYER (Congregation standing) Dear people of God, in this Christmas season with joy let us hear once more the mes- sage of the angels, and in heart and mind go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. Let us hear in Holy Scripture the story of God's loving purpose from the time of our rebellion to the glorious redemption brought to us by this Holy Child. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace and justice on earth; for the unity and mission of the Church for which he died. Let us remember, in Christ's name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, (here may be inserted intercessions pertinent to the community), all who are sick and who mourn, the lonely and unloved, the aged and little children, as well as those who do not know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, let us remember all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are one for evermore. And now, to sum up all these petitions, let us pray in the words which Christ has taught us, saying: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, (and forgive us our debts,) as we forgive those who trespass against us; (as we forgive our debtors;) and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. May God bless us; May Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; May the King of Angels bring us all to join the fellowship of the saints who have gone before us. Amen. (Congregation sits) 20 For Preview Only