Some prayer suggestions and reflections for each day of December…
1st World AIDS Day – one of many health concerns overshadowed by Covid. Pray for all living with HIV/AIDS and those who work in treatment and prevention.
2nd Give thanks for Laura’s time with us, and pray for her and her new congregation as she is ordained and inducted to Whiteinch today. Remember also our Café Church initiative.
3rd Writing Christmas cards? As you write, pray for each recipient.
4th Give thanks for vaccines, and pray for a more equal sharing among the nations.
5th Communion – Jesus said “Do this in remembrance of me”.
6th Nicholas Day – in many countries children receive fruit or sweets or other small gifts in a little basket or shoe. Pray for all children, everywhere.
7th Pray for those newly diagnosed with Covid and for their families.
8th Pray for the children and Companions as they celebrate the end of their Seasons for Growth sessions.
9th Planning Christmas dinner? Buy a few wee extras to give to the Food Bank.
10th Give thanks for Strathcarron and other hospices, and remember the Strathcarron Singers this evening.
11th Pray for people still struggling with long Covid.
12th Read Mary’s Song (Luke 1; 46-56) and reflect on the state of the world we live in today.
13th As we approach a great Christian Festival, remember our brothers and sisters of other faiths.
14th Pray for those who profess no faith, that the Christmas message of love may touch therm.
15th Pray for our Café staff and those who come for refreshment, warmth and company.
16th Pray for doctors, nurses, all who work in hospitals, and carers in homes and the community.
17th Pray for our Family Life Centre and all its work.
18th Remember those who will be alone, isolating or just far from family for Christmas.
19th “Come on and celebrate” we’ll sing this morning – and you can come and sing again at 3pm with Falkirk Festival Chorus and friends!
20th Give thanks for all who contribute to our Christmas celebrations – food producers, transport and shop workers, and others who may have to work through our holiday.
21st Shortest day of the year – but we celebrate that “the light shone in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out”.
22nd Pray for children, teachers and all school staff at the start of the holidays.
23rd However busy you are, find a quiet time today to take a deep breath and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.
24th Reflective music in church at midday and two services tonight – it must be nearly Christmas!
25th Happy Christmas! “This very day, in David’s town, your Saviour was born”. Rejoice!
26th Give thanks for the music which enhances our worship, for our choir and our organist/choirmaster Bob as he retires after over 50 years.
27th Give thanks for special efforts made to cheer the homeless and the destitute over Christmas, and remember those who support them all the year round.
28th Remember that Jesus and his parents had to become refugees. Pray for all displaced people, that they may find sanctuary and a kindly welcome.
29th Give thanks for the work of those who made the beautiful memory squares, and for the lives they commemorate.
30th Remember those who have found 2021 especially difficult, and pray for their healing.
31st Reflect on the year that’s awa’ – its highs and lows, joys and sorrows – and look forward in faith!
“May God’s blessing surround you each day as you trust him and walk in his way.”