This time of year reminds us that anxiety and grief do not take a vacation. The heaviness associated with expectations, busy schedules and loss all seem to permeate every special occasion, especially at Christmas. Holiday stressors like grief and loss can stop us in our tracks. How do we celebrate when we are so focused on our worry? During the holiday season, it’s easy to get stressed and lose focus of what Christmas is really all about: Jesus. Daily prayer is so important, especially during Christmas because it allows us to keep our minds centered on Jesus. It also gives us an opportunity to express the gratitude we have for all the things God provides, while also allowing us to share all aspects of our lives with Him. If you are feeling lost and not quite sure where to turn, pray these seven Christmas prayers for the holiday season.

A Prayer for Those Alone During the Holidays

While many people are fortunate enough to spend the holidays with family and friends, there are also many people who are going to spend much or all of the holiday season alone. No matter the reason that you or someone else you know many be alone for the holidays, you can make it wonderful through prayer and intention. If you are alone this Christmas, pray this pray:

Heavenly Father, the holiday season can be quite a trial and even a deep sadness to many people, especially those that are alone at this time. Draw very close we pray to those that are alone and lonely over this holiday time and may they discover closeness in their relationship with You that perhaps they did not enjoy before. Amen.

A Prayer to See the World in Jesus’ Light During the Holidays

It’s easy to get caught up in all the commercial aspects of the holiday season, but the real reason for the season is Jesus. In declaring Himself to be the Light of the World, Jesus was claiming that He is the exclusive source of spiritual light. No other source of spiritual truth is available to mankind. When Jesus Christ was brought into the world, He took out darkness. If you want to reflect on Jesus as light during the holiday season, say this prayer:

Dear Jesus, as we celebrate Your birth may we begin to see the world in the light of the understanding You give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship You in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in the season of giving. Amen.

A Prayer for Those Depressed During the Holidays

The holidays are a tough time for many people. Christmas can confront us with what we don’t have and what we don’t have to give. It can be a terribly lonely and depressing time when those around us are not those we wish to be around. The stress of this is additive. We live imperfect lives in an imperfect world. It can be terribly tough and real. If you or someone you know is depressed during the holidays, say this prayer:

Heavenly Father, it seems so silly and wrong to get so depressed about this holiday season, but Lord, You know that I find holidays quite difficult to cope with, and I know that I can’t break out of this cycle of holiday depression without Your help and strength. Show me what I ought to do in order to prevent those thoughts from taking hold of me, and pushing me back into a state of despair and depression. Amen.

A Prayer for Hope During the Holidays 

The holidays can be particularly difficult, particularly when we are grieving the death of someone special in our lives. The bright lights, colorful decorations and celebrating people can be a stark contrast to the way we might be feeling inside. But we can find hope in Christ’s birth. Even though the holidays might be mentally and emotionally difficult, they can still be a source of inspiration and hope in the midst of grief. If you are in need of hope during the holidays, pray this prayer:

Heavenly Father, Christmastime is such a blessed season of the year as we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in a stable in Bethlehem, and how we thank You for giving Your only begotten Son into this world so that by His death and resurrection, He could become our Savior, and we could become Your children. We thank You for the wonderful hope that the Christmas message instills into each of our hearts, and the glorious message of the gospel of peace – peace with God to all who believe. Amen.

A Prayer for Our Christmas Celebrations

From ugly sweater parties to office parties, many people are celebrating during the holiday season. It’s important that we also lift up these events, calling on God to undertake our plans and preparation. Call on God to bless your gathering of family, friends and colleagues by praying this prayer:

Lord, at this festive holiday time, we pray that You would be with us in all that we do and all that we plan. And today, we particularly want to ask You to bless the holiday celebrations that we will be participating in. We pray that Your love shines during this time and that we reflect You in our actions, attitudes and behaviors at the event. Prevent any discord we pray and may we be united together in love and fellowship to Your praise and glory. Amen.

A Prayer for His Glory and Peace During the Holidays

Staying calm and peaceful is hard at the best of times, but during the busy holidays season it can sometimes feel impossible. The mix of high expectations, financial pressure and family tension puts even the calmest person under strain. It’s important that we find inner peace and this can only be found through Jesus Christ. If you are looking for Jesus’ glory and peace during the holidays, pray this prayer:

Almighty God and Father of light, a child is born for us and as a son is given to us. Your eternal Word streamed down from heaven in the silent watches of the night, and now Your Church is filled with wonder at the nearness of her God. Open our hearts to receive His life and increase our vision with the rising of dawn, that our lives may be filled with His glory and His peace, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

 A Prayer to Seek His Wisdom During the Holidays

Many of us have a sense of urgency about many things during the holiday season: work, being on time to every activity, completing our daily to-do lists. But do we have that same sense of urgency about our Savior? We can’t survive without God or His wisdom. If you are in need of Jesus’ guidance during the holidays, pray this prayer:

Dear Lord, may we be like the Wise Men who were guided to You by a star. Give us the wisdom to seek You, light to guide us to You, courage to search until we find You and generosity to lay our gifts before You, our King and our God forever and ever. Amen.

Where is your heart this Christmas? If you are stressed about everything on your to-do list, it’s time to let go and let God. If you are ready to restore the wonder of the season, it’s time to fall to your knees in praise and seek Jesus with your whole heart. There’s no better time to renew joy, peace and your relationship with Christ than the holidays season.