Join in with our prayers below and click on links to see video or audio that has been sent from all people across CofE Birmingham.
We also have a printable version to download here.
Sunday 1 December
Charles de Foucauld, Hermit in the Sahara, 1916
The Collect of the day,
| Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever.. Amen |
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Monday 2 December
Today's prayer is from The Clewer Initiative and is inspired by the International day for the Abolition of Slavery,
Lord, you are a God who sets the captives free.
Your Spirit searches restlessly for those in despair, that they may find the life you are calling them to.
We pray for those who are being trafficked and callously put to work in our region.
On the cross, you were powerless and subject to the cruelty of others. Look with mercy on those who suffer this way.
May we, who are blinded by the shallow distractions of daily life, feel the fear of the cornered and be roused to action.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Tuesday 3 December
Francis Xavier, Missionary, Apostle of the Indies, 1552
Prayer today is inspired by International Day of Persons with Disabilities,
| Lord, help all with disabilities know they are loved and matter to you and the world. Through your Spirit, help workers train parents and community leaders to walk in humility to eliminate destructive stigma toward people with disabilities. May children with disabilities be afforded improved access to basic services, healthcare, and education. Amen |
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Wednesday 4 December
John of Damascus, Monk, Teacher of the Faith, c.749
Kings Norton, Mosley & Shirley CFME invite us to pray for Forest School at Hawkesley,
Lord we ask that the relaunch of Forest School encourages engagement with new children and families and provides a pathway for them into worshipping communities and discipleship.
Amen
Thursday 5 December
Spirit of the Lord, watch over Bishop Michael as he speaks on Switch Radio 'Christmas Crackers' at 11:00am. Grant him clarity in his words and strength in his message, that he may inspire and uplift all who are listening.
Amen
Friday 6 December
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c.326
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Dear Lord, we pray for the West Midlands Racial Justice initiative. Bless the six dioceses work together, to realise the vision and goals. And we pray that the work is received openly and positively. |
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Saturday 7 December
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher of the Faith, 397
Lord, we pray for the receipients of the CofE Building Surveyors project. We give thanks for receiving useful feedback from parishes, help us to meet the future needs of this service.
Amen
Sunday 8 December
The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Lucille Arlidge, The Parish of St Matthew with St Chad, invites us to pray,
Thank you for being with us in our troubles and difficulties, for in you alone is our peace.
Amen
Monday 9 December
Holy Spirit, we ask, in their struggles, may the homeless feel your presence. Lord, let them know they are loved and valued. Provide them with comfort during cold nights, resilience during challenging times, and hope for a brighter future.
Amen
Tuesday 10 December
Prayer today is inspired by Human Rights Day,
| God, All peoples have their origin in you and it is your will to gather them as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of all people with your love and the desire to ensure justice for all their brothers and sisters. By sharing the good things of the earth, may we secure justice and equality for every human being, an end to all division, and a human society built on love and peace. Amen |
Getty Images |
Wednesday 11 December
Lord, We pray for those who are struggling with loneliness this Christmas. Surround them with your love and comfort, reminding them that they are never truly alone. May they find moments of connection, whether through cherished memories or the warmth of your presence. Help us all to reach out and be a light to those in need, spreading love and hope during this holy time.
Amen
Thursday 12 December
Today we pary for the CofEB HR Services who provide our parishes with access to specialist knowledge and support,
Lord, we pray that funding will be secured, so that the HR Parish Service can continue past its current funding period, which is due to come to an end this month.
Amen
Friday 13 December
Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304
| Father God, we pray for all those taking part in the CofEB Christmas Campaign, ‘Snap & Seek’, that they come together and celebrate community spirit, love and laughter as they take selfies outside our churches across the diocese. Please encourage them to share their snaps on social media, so all can wonder in our Christmas joy, both near and afar. Amen #snapandseek |
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Saturday 14 December
John of the Cross, Poet, Teacher of the Faith, 1591
Creator God, we thank you for the wondrous world you’ve created, with its beauty and diversity. Help us to cherish and protect it, embracing our responsibility to nurture nature and serve one another, fostering harmony for generations to come.
Amen
Sunday 15 December
Defending the rights of vulnerable people is integral to Christian faith and teaching. Sadly, the church hasn’t always done this well,
Heavenly Father, we entrust to you the lives of those who have suffered from abuse, and whose trust and innocence have been destroyed. We pray that they find support so that with the help of your grace their wounds will be healed, and they may again know peace.
Amen
Monday 16 December
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Lord we pray for your guidance for those recruiting into key roles, that the teams at Christ Church, Summerfield find the right person to take on these ministries. |
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Tuesday 17 December
O Sapientia
The eight days of prayer before Christmas Day,
| O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation. Amen. |
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Wednesday 18 December
Prayer today is inspired by International Migrants Day,
| Almighty and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own; look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry. Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen |
Photo: UNCHR/Mark Henley |
Thursday 19 December
Lord, we give thanks for the new worshipping community Bubble Church at The Whitacres, Lea Marston and Shustoke. We pray for a Bubble Church champion to come forward to support the ongoing needs of this new worshipping community.
Amen
Friday 20 December
Prayer today is inspired by Human Solidarity Day,
Today as we celebrate International Human Solidarity Day, we ask you Lord, move us beyond our individual lives to be in solidarity with others, so that we may all taste the harvest of justice.
Saturday 21 December
John Nightingale invits us to a nature challenge,
12 Days Wild (December 25 to Jan 5) is the Wildlife Trust's festive nature challenge, encouraging you to do one wild thing a day. Your wild acts could be little things to help nature - like recycling your Christmas tree or feeding the birds – or ways to connect to the natural world, like taking in the calm of stargazing. Further details at: 12 Days Wild | The Wildlife Trusts
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Father, in those quiet days between Christmas and New Year, winter wildlife is just waiting to be explored and seen. "Lord our sovereign, how glorious is your name throughout the world". |
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Sunday 22 December
Lucille Arlidge, The Parish of St Matthew with St Chad invites us to pray,
We give you thanks and praise for all you are doing and have done in our parish. As we step forward to the close of another Church year, looking forward to the start of the next, may we continue to notice all you are doing.
Amen
Monday 23 December
Today the Project Management Office (PMO) invites us to pray,
Lord, we pray for the 'Create the Culture Project Report', which supports the change journey for oversight areas to help shape a positive cultural environment and support Area Deans in their change agent role. We ask for your guidance and that parish diaries are able to accommodate invitations.
Amen
Tuesday 24 December
Christmas Eve,
Christ born for us,
Son of God, given for us,
help us to know you,
to worship and to serve you.
Amen
Wednesday 25 December
Wishing your all a peaceful Christmas Day,
| Loving Jesus, you were born in a stable but worshipped by the angels. Be with us as we celebrate your birth, and be with all who feel distant from celebration. Be for us a living hope that lightens their hearts. Amen |
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Thursday 26 December
Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr
Boxing Day,
Dear Creator, may Your light guide all hearts towards understanding and compassion. Help us to embrace our differences and work together for harmony. Grant us the strength to seek peace, heal divisions, and inspire unity across the globe.
Amen
Friday 27 December
John, Apostle and Evangelist
Dear God, in this season of light and love, we remember those we’ve lost. Grant us comfort in our memories, peace in our hearts, and a sense of their presence. May their spirits shine brightly.
Amen
Saturday 28 December
The Holy Innocents
John Nightingale invites us to pray,
| Lord Jesus, we remember with sorrow the millions of children suffering and dying from war, famine and disasters, in a world with means to save them. Thaw the frozen hearts of governments, soldiers and citizens, so the vulnerable may be protected and the homeless taken in. Amen |
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Sunday 29 December
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170
Lucille Arlidge, The Parish of St Matthew with St Chad invites us to pray,
Thank you for those you have called and sent to worship and work with us as we bear witness to the Lord.
Amen
Monday 30 December
Claire Laland, Malawi Task Group, invites us to pray,
Eternal Father, pray for our brothers and sisters at Christmas. In Malawi it falls in the summer and it is very hot (possibly 80+) and wet. It is also the lean season as many families have little left from the previous season’s harvest prepare something to share with others, we enjoy the Christmas services and remember the great gift God gave to the world through Jesus.
Amen
Tuesday 31 December
John Wyclif, Reformer, 1384
New Year's Eve,
| Gracious God, we come before you seeking renewal in the new year. Renew our minds, our hearts, and our spirits. May we be transformed by the power of your Holy Spirit, leaving behind the old and embracing the new that you have in store for us. Amen #calmandbright |
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