An Advent Prayer for December 3

Christmas Prayer of Pope John XXIII

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (20^th century)

 

O sweet Child of Bethlehem,
grant that we may share with all our hearts
in this profound mystery of Christmas.
Put into the hearts of men and women this peace
for which they sometimes seek so desperately
and which you alone can give to them.
Help them to know one another better,
and to live as brothers and sisters,
children of the same Father.
Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity.
Awaken in their hearts
love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.
Join them all together in your love.
And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

 

What prayer does a pastor pray for his/her people?  Growing up in the Presbyterian tradition, each week the minister would pray the Pastoral Prayer, a prayer specifically for the people of the church.  In the same way, Pope John XXIII demonstrates a pastor’s heart as he prays this prayer. 

First, for faith, that the mystery of Christmas, the incarnation, might be known to us.  A prayer for personal peace follows, the peace that Jesus speaks of in John 14, perfect peace, the peace that passes all understanding.  And then John prays for relationships, a plea for connection, for a familial relationship as children of the same Father.

It challenges us this day to consider this: how do we, as pastors, Sunday School teachers, mothers, fathers, friends, co-workers, pray for the people in our lives.  And on a personal level, what is most dear to my heart as I pray for others (and for myself)?   

    

Prayer Focus:  our prayers for others