The Genesis Prayer ministry invites you to spend personal time with God in prayer and devotion this Christmas time. We have laid out a Genesis Prays service for you to do on your own. It will take you about 20-25 minutes to step through the service. Included are scripture, music, a Christmas testimony and prayer by Becci & Emilia Monge, and a time to pray for the people and the world. May you be blessed by this time with God. .
CALL TO PRAYER based on Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign forever and ever. We sing and pray to you, Lord, with grateful hearts. Be with us as we ponder the wonder of your birth.
HYMN
“Mary, Did You Know”
written by Mark Lowry & Buddy Greene. Sung by Carrie Underwood
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2:10-14 (ASV)
And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
TESTIMONY
“Being Broken and Having Jesus”
by Becci Monge
Emilia and I had set aside the day to make cut-out Christmas cookies. We made stars, Christmas Trees, Angels, bells, snowmen, Christmas balls, and stockings. They were all lined up on the counter just awaiting the icing and sugar sprinkles. I had to show our little 4 year old how to hold the cookie, and how to ice the Christmas balls first. With much patience and understanding (on both our parts) we moved from cookie to cookie until we were done with the round “pink” iced decorations with red and white sprinkles. Emilia was so excited that she was on her tip toes and her hands were moving back and forth like little bumble bee wings, and the joy was immense as she yelled, “I did it”.
I let her know we had to start on the stars. The first one in, she broke the top of the star off (These were more delicate and difficult than the circles). She began to cry…. with a disappointed child on her tip-toes leaning into my arms …. I had to think fast. She had dropped it upside down and as I looked at it, I only saw a stable. So … we did not have a broken Christmas cookie, we had Jesus. It was our most prized cookie of the Christmas season. I explained to Emilia that anytime we are broken, the bible tells us that we always have Jesus.
Later that night, after we put both girls to bed, I thought about being broken and about always having the grace of finding Jesus in my brokenness. In the quietness of the house, I found myself with tears in my eyes and knew that Jesus was always there to comfort me.
FOCUS PRAYER
“Being Broken and Having Jesus”
written by Emilia Monge
Dear God: In all of our daily brokenness, thanks for sending your star and your son to be born in a stable upon a manger, so that we are not alone and hopeless. Thank you for reminding us in this Christmas season that God will use everything for our good. Thank you for this next 2 weeks to remind us that we can start over like we are new and be clean and full of peace and forgive and love one another with you as the center of our life. -Amen
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
…Let us pray:
for the people of our congregation and community,
- for those suffering anxiety, mental or physical illness, and those responding to their needs,
- for those who are isolated, and those unable to visit loved ones,
- for those teaching or learning through onsite and online schooling
- for friendships and families, teams and relationships,
We lift up these names to the Lord… (lift up people needing prayer)
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayers.
for the world, its peoples, and its leaders…
- for those in need of food, safe shelter, healthcare, and other necessities of life,
- for healing from political unrest, racial oppression and injustices in all their forms,
- for those impacted by natural disasters, the long-term impact of the pandemic, and for the restoration of our environment.
We lift up these prayers to the Lord… (lift up situations/events in prayer)
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayers.
for all Christian churches, their congregations, leaders and missions…
We lift up these prayers to the Lord… (lift up specific prayers)
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayers.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Emmanuel God With Us
by Chris Tomlin
BENEDICTION & BLESSING 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.