Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		We gather together to reflect on Jesus as a friend of the poor. He was a person who gave to others because they were in need, not because of any reward he might receive. He showed us how to love one another so that through this love, God will remain in us. We are called to be people who love and give.
READING
Reader		A reading from Psalm 92. (The reader reads Psalm 92.)
		The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		O God our Father, hear our prayers. For children who know what it is to go to bed at night hungry, we pray.
All		Lord, help us be mindful of all that we have and share it.
Leader		For children who have no place to call home and who live day to day without knowing where they will sleep, we pray.
All		Lord, help us be mindful of all that we have and share it.
Leader		For children who do not have the love of parents or relatives, we pray.
All		Lord, help us be mindful of all that we have and share it.
Leader		For children who have never received a gift, we pray.
All		Lord, help us be mindful of all that we have and share it.
COLLECTION OF GIFTS (Play instrumental music as participants bring collected foods to a basket in the prayer space.)
Leader		Gracious God, we now offer the gifts we have brought for those in need. May they be encouraged and strengthened by these gifts. May you bless them with faith, hope, and love. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus.
All		Amen.
Leader		Lord, help us to be givers and not just receivers. May we remember this as we prepare for Christmas. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG