Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		We celebrate St. Nicholas as an example of a holy person who was very generous. We pray that we, too, can be giving and generous to others. Let us pray. Lord God, bless this time of our prayer. Open our minds and hearts to be givers of ourselves. Teach us to be generous to all those around us.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (The reader reads from Acts 20:33–35.)
Reader		The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		Generosity leads to happiness. God can open our hearts for such giving. We ask God to help us become generous. We present to God our commitment to live as generous givers in this community. (All place their promises of service in a basket.)
Leader		Let us pray. For the strength to give generously to others,
All		Teach us your ways, O Lord.
Leader		For the patience to listen to the needs of others,
All		Teach us your ways, O Lord.
Leader		For full and generous hearts,
All		Teach us your ways, O Lord.
Leader		For the courage to give and not want anything in return,
All		Teach us your ways, O Lord.
Leader		For open ears to hear the needs of those around us.
All		Teach us your ways, O Lord.
Leader		For hearts that are open and loving,
All		Teach us your ways, O Lord.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Loving and giving God, St. Nicholas is the great example of giving to others without wanting anything in return. Give us the grace to give like that not only during the Christmas season, but always. Make us strong so that we may love others according to your will.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG