A season of prayer, praise and preparation

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By Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan ecumenical officer

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When this issue of the Pic reaches you, we will all be getting ready for Christmastide. Here, therefore, are a few prayers stressing the ecumenical nature of all we do in the archdiocese to share and connect with all our brothers and sisters.

 

Prayer for Peace at Christmas and in 2026

From Archbishop Nikitas of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, who is a President of Churches. Together in England and the Council of European Churches.

 

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light – Isaiah 9:2

As our world contends with the shadows of conflict, division, and despair, we turn to Christ the Child, who enters our lives as a radiant beacon of hope – the Prince of Peace. His great light fills our hearts with the gifts of truth and renewal, guiding us towards God’s kingdom.

This Christmas, we join with the churches of all traditions, across Europe and beyond, in celebrating the birth of our Saviour. Together, we rise above dismay, uniting in spirit of fellowship and love.

May Christ’s light brighten our hearts and homes, granting us a vision to realise dreams of peace.

We pray for a blessed 2026 and a world reflecting His heavenly kingdom.

With joyful hearts, may we embrace peace and live as children of God!

Amen.

 

Prayer for the Christmas season

From the Moravian Church of America

Lord Jesus Christ, we remember in your presence our losses and griefs, our hopes, and treasures which the departing year has carried away, the disappointments we have known, the friends who are no longer with us and whose steps we shall hear no more. We pray for the grace to cherish the spirit that brings good out of evil and prevents adversities and sorrows from embittering our hearts. Give us comfort and a deep sense of your goodness in every circumstance of life, and when, despite our good intentions, we fail, be our strength and stay. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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A Prayer for the New Year

From the Church of Scotland

Heavenly Father, we come to You at the start of a new year, knowing what has been, knowing Your faithfulness to us, knowing You were there to comfort and guide us when times were difficult,

knowing You are a God of love and mercy.

We confess we have sinned against You in many ways, but we can make a fresh start, for through the death of Jesus we can be forgiven and put right with You.

Your hands were nailed to the cross for us, Lord. Now You stretch them out to us. Help us to grasp them daily. Only then can we be unafraid of what the future holds. We pray for those who need You – those who are ill, troubled, depressed, or just downright weary.

Fill them and us, O Lord with Your Holy Spirit and help us to remember that our times are in Your hands.

 

CTE Christmas Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the priceless gift of Jesus, the light of the world and the hope of all creation. Fill our hearts with joy that overflows into acts of generosity this Christmas.

Bless those who need provision, love, and renewed hope. Surround the lonely with Your peace, uplift the grieving with Your comfort and strengthen the weary.

Teach us to work together to share Your blessings boldly and reflect Your grace brightly. Remind us always of Your unending love and the joy of giving.

Amen.