Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Eve) – December 24, 2026
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.org
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
O God, you have made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Grant that as we have known on earth the mysteries of that Light, we may also come to the fullness of his joys in heaven; through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect  
God of majesty, on this holy night your light and life broke into the darkness of our human condition. Grant that your light and life will continue to shine through us into a dark and weary world until that time when your glory reigns forever; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Christmas Eve 
Wonderful Counselor, as your church gathers on this holy night, increase our joy in your Son come among us so that your saving Word may ring out in our songs, our words and our lives. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For the Birth of Christ 
Mighty God, through your Son’s humble birth the yoke of sin that weighs us down has been broken. Bring comfort, consolation, and strength to those who carry heavy burdens of grief, illness, fear, or pain. [We pray particularly for …] By the light of Christ pierce the darkness that enshrouds them so that they might know that surpassing peace that comes only from you.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Families Who Are Apart 
Everlasting Father, you made your home among us and call us your own children. Be present with those families who cannot gather physically together to celebrate the joy of your Son’s birth. Let their love span the distance between them just as your love for us spans time and place. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Peace
Prince of Peace, may the world know your peace in the depths of every human heart. Grant a respite in the violence that plagues the land of your Son’s birth. Quell the doubts and fears in every restless human heart.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Day) – December 25, 2026
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.org
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
Almighty God, grant that the new birth of your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set free all who are held in servitude under the yoke of sin; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect  
God of majesty, open our eyes to see the light of your presence in the world around us; open our ears to hear your message of mercy and grace revealed through the birth of your Son, who took on our human existence. Sustain us through the Word made flesh, so that in we might be your body in the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Christmas Day 
Wonderful Counselor, as your church gathers on this holy day, increase our joy in your Son, come among us so that your saving Word may ring out in our songs, our words and our lives. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Peace 
Mighty God, through your Son’s humble birth the yoke of sin that weighs us down has been broken.  Bring comfort, consolation, and strength to those who carry heavy burdens of grief, illness, fear, or pain. [We pray particularly for …] By the light of Christ pierce the darkness that enshrouds them so that they might know that surpassing peace that comes only from you. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Humility 
O God, whose way is to put down the proud and exalt those of low degree, grant us true humility in the likeness of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, that we be not puffed up by pride, and provoke your anger, but in all lowliness be made partakers in Christ’s humility and in your gifts of grace. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Healing  
Heavenly Father, you care tenderly for all who suffer the infirmities of old age, illness or injury of the body, and wounds to the mind and spirit. Be present to all who have any need of you for healing, and comfort them by your compassion even as they wait upon healing and health. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Christmas 1 – December 27, 2026
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.org
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature and be born of the Virgin Mary. Grant that we, having been redeemed and made your children by grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, 1549)
Thematic Collect  
God of Majesty, may your Holy Spirit provoke us to follow your Son in all obedience and humility, growing in spiritual wisdom and maturity, so that through us, all creation will come to know the praise of your glory. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For the Witness of the Church
Gracious God, give to your church a sacred awe for your presence with us in word and sacrament.  Strengthen and nourish us to proclaim your Good News through preaching and teaching, daily living and compassionate service to our neighbors. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer
For the New Year 
Lord of time, as this calendar year draws to a close help us to reflect on the year and recognize the abundance of blessing that you pour out upon us and challenge us to trust in your provision more fully in the year ahead.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Those Who Work in Cold Temperatures
God our sovereign, we ask your protection for those who must work outdoors in the cold winter months. Help us to appreciate the ways in which our lives are enriched by their work. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Healing 
Incarnate God, we give you thanks for your presence with us. May the healing presence of your Spirit bring comfort and strength to those who are suffering in any way. [We pray particularly for …] Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Second Sunday after Christmas – January 3, 2027
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © 2020 Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son, we might be made to abound in good works. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Liturgy, 1894)
Thematic Collect
God of Majesty, may your Spirit provoke us to follow your Son in all obedience and humility, growing in spiritual wisdom and maturity so that through us, all creation will come to know the praise of your glory; through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For the Wisdom of Christ
God of all wisdom, we see in young Jesus how your wisdom shined through and caused many to be amazed. Grant us just a fraction of your wisdom, that we would walk humbly and prudently through life, serving and worshipping in your holy name, and boldly acting in ways that care for those you love. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
For Grace 
Merciful God, it is often difficult for us to understand the depths of your grace toward us. We know we are sinful and that we need forgiveness, and yet we struggle to offer that same gift to others. Touch our hearts that we would understand more clearly the gift you offer us when you say, “You are forgiven.” Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
For the Youngest Disciples
Father of all, grant faith in abundance to your youngest of disciples. Let the more mature in faith walk with them, teaching them to follow in the ways of Christ. Protect them from the surrounding culture that seeks to pull them away from a life in you, and instead fills them with false notions of what is important and holy. Let each of us invest ourselves in those who are younger than we are, thereby passing on your love, mercy, and wisdom. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
For Those Who are in Need
God of healing, bring about renewed wellness for those who are suffering or in need in any way. You see the deepest needs of all your children. Encourage those who are struggling to put their trust in your hands, for you have promised to uphold all in need. (We remember especially…) Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.