PRAYER

Prayer is at the core of who we are. In a world where there's a growing call for intercession as creation cries out, we want to be part of this movement as a church and as individuals. We aim for our lives, our homes, and our church to be places where seeking God in prayer comes first.

Remember in your Prayers this week

  • God’s peace and justice in all war-torn places of the world, but especially in Ukraine and Gaza

  • The bereaved, thinking especially of the loved ones of Ray Potter, David Burnett and Stan Jarrett.

  • The sick, in mind, body or spirit.

  • Those for whom this time of year can be sad and lonely

  • All the preparations and planning for the church Christmas services in the parish

  • For our school children and staff coming towards the end of a long and busy term

  • For everyone at this often stressful time of year, that we all find time to rest in the presence of God.

Monthly Prayer Focus: December

Follow the Star…

As we move closer to Christmas, our theme this year is Follow the Star. It is a simple phrase, yet one filled with wonder, mystery and invitation.

In the Christmas story, a star appears in the sky - not just as a beautiful light, but as a guide. The Magi, travellers from a distant land, notice it and choose to follow where it leads. They step out of the familiar, leave the certainty of what they know, and set out on a journey towards something unknown, yet deeply significant. That star leads them to Jesus - the Light of the world, born in humility and love.

For our prayer focus this month, we are invited to do the same.

What might it look like for us, in our busy, noisy, and sometimes overwhelming world, to lift our eyes and follow the star? Perhaps it means creating small spaces of stillness, where we can notice God’s gentle promptings. Perhaps it means trusting God into the unknown - in our families, in our community, in our church, and in our own hearts. The star didn’t reveal the whole journey at once; it simply gave enough light for the next step.

This Advent and Christmas season, you might choose to use the image of the star in your prayers. As you see Christmas lights appear in windows and on trees, let them become a reminder to pray:
“Lord, lead me closer to you. Help me to follow your light today.”

We can also pray for those who are searching - for hope, for healing, for peace, for a place to belong. Just as the star shone over a stable in Bethlehem, may God’s light shine into the darkest places of our world and our lives.

Let this month be a time of holy journeying. With the Magi, we walk by faith. With the shepherds, we listen and respond. With Mary, we ponder. And with the star above us, we follow - not just to the manger, but into a deeper love for Christ and for one another.

Prayer for the Month

Loving God,
Thank you for the light that came into the world through your Son, Jesus.
As the Magi followed the star, help us to follow your guidance each day.
Lead us through uncertainty, closer to your truth and your peace.
May your light shine in our homes, our church, and our community,
this Christmas and always.
Amen.