Proper Prayers for RCL Christmas 1A
Isaiah 63.7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2.10-18; Matthew 2.13-23
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. [1]
or
O Lord God, you know that cannot place our trust in our own powers. As you protected the infant Jesus, so defend us and all the needy from harm and adversity, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [2]
or
Loving God, guardian of our homes, when you entrusted your Son to the care of Mary and Joseph, you did not spare them the pains that touch the life of every family. Teach us to rely on your word, that/so that in our trials as in our joys we may be clothed in gentleness and patience and united in love. Make us ever thankful for the blessings you give us through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen. [4]
or
God of the refugees, sharing the exile road with all who flee the violence that enslaves and kills: as your Son sought asylum in a foreign land make us ready to welcome the refugee and receive from her a new language of life and hope; through Jesus Christ, Rachel’s child. Amen. [5]
or
Praise is our cry, O Holy One of Israel, for you have come among us and borne our burdens. Give us open hearts, that/so that we might embrace our suffering sisters and brothers, and welcome Jesus in the hospitality we show to exiles; through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen. [6]
Prayer over the Gifts
God of light, in the birth of your Son/Jesus we see your glory. May we who share in this mystery grow daily in your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord/Jesus, the Word made flesh. Amen. [1]
or
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [2]
Preface
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the mystery of his incarnation was made perfect man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; in him we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory. Therefore with all the angels of heaven, we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your name. [1]
or
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory, that beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: [2]
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life. [1]
Prayer after Communion
Faithful God, we thank you for feeing us with this heavenly banquet. Help us always to hear the prophet’s call to turn our hearts to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. [1]
or
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that/so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen. [2]
Blessing
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. [1]
or
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. [1 alt.]
or
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Source of all being, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. [1 alt.]
or
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. [1 alt.]
Notes
[1] The Book of Alternative Services 1985
[2] Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006
[2a] Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Leaders Desk Edition 2006
[3] Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019
[4] Opening Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language 1997
[5] Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009
[6] Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002
[7] Book of Occasional Services 2003
N.B. Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.
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