‘They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.’ Matthew 2:9
Lord Jesus, our friend and guide, as we set out into a new year we turn again towards you. As your star guided the wise men to Bethlehem, so lead us to your side even now. Each day may our hearts be filled with adoration and praise. Help us each to stop our busyness long enough to offer you the gift of our devotion. Give us wisdom to find you in the people around us, and finding you, to share your love with them.
‘And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.’ Matthew 2:12
Holy Spirit of God, direct our paths so that we remain faithful in times of danger and temptation. Show us the way you want us to go so that we remain in your will. Help us always choose the path that leads to our spiritual home in you. Stay the hands of those who would do harm.
‘Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt.’ Matthew 2: 12
Heavenly Father God, as in Jesus you experienced the plight of the refugee, look with pity on those who have fled from their homes to search for safety. Soften the hearts of those who would reject them; bless those who welcome them; guard those who provide for them.
‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children;’ Matthew 2:18
Mother God, we pray for the mothers and children who are weeping, taken from each other through war, or bureaucracy, or trafficking, or sickness, or through violent death. May they know your comfort and the peace that passes understanding.
‘And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in Nazareth.’ Matthew 2:22b-23a
Lord, wherever we live, we belong to you. In towns and cities, fishing villages and rural settlements, we find you. Help us to be your living body, the church, in the places you have set us. May our daily lives reflect your love into our communities. Amen.
During this month, we are encouraged to join those of other Christian denominations as we pray for Unity. The theme for the week of prayer 18 – 25 January 2018, “Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power” is inspired by Exodus 15:6. The resources for the week have been prepared by members of different churches in the Caribbean.
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/events/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity
Pray too, for those who will gather in Yangon, Myanmar, at the end of the month for the South Asia Area Seminar, under the theme ‘I have called you by name: you are mine’ Isaiah 43:1. Pray for wisdom as they prepare, protection as they travel, enlightenment as they share together, inspiration as they return home.
Pray for your World Federation sisters, World Officers, Area Officers and Helen Kim Memorial Scholars, that each one will ‘know Christ and make him known’ throughout 2018.
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