The 12 Prayers for Christmas

Christmas is a glorious time of year! God brings us face to face once again with His design for and redemption of mankind. His intentions toward us are for life abundantly. His plans for the kingdom are victorious!

But for many people, the holidays can be filled with unrealistic expectations. Old hurts are sometimes revisited and new ones inflicted. Hope can go deferred and result in heartsickness (Proverbs 13:12). In the midst of the tinsel and lights and shopping, let's remember what the season is really about! Let's pray for a spirit of all things Christmas for ourselves and our loved ones.

Click through this gallery of Christmas prayers inspired by the Bible.

Love

Lord, help us follow the way of love--let the love of Christ compel us (1 Corinthians 14:1; 2 Corinthians 5:14).

Joy

Restore the joy of Your salvation to us; let us experience the joy of Your presence (Psalm 51:12; 16:11).

Peace

Let Your peace rule and guard our hearts; give us more of You - You are our peace (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7; Ephesians 2:14).

Hope

Enlighten the eyes of our heart so that we may know the hope You called us to (Ephesians 1:18).

Favor

Let Your favor rest on us (Luke 2:52).

Life

Shine Your light of life on us; help us to walk in it (Job 33:30; Psalm 56:13).

Salvation

Help us to fear You so we can unlock the treasure of Your salvation (Isaiah 33:6).

Selflessness

Keep us from self-seeking attitudes that reject truth (Romans 2:8).

Generosity

Make us rich in ways that result in generosity on our part so You will be praised (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Receiving

Help us receive Your kingdom, Your Spirit, and Your grace (Daniel 7:18; John 20:22; Romans 5:17).

Seeking

Encourage us to seek Your face with all our hearts (Deuteronomy 4:29; Psalm 27:8).

Praise

We ascribe glory to Your name, Lord; we come before You in worship for You are holy (1 Chronicles 16:28-29).