The 12 Prayers of Christmas

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This is adapted from the great Today’s Christian Woman article, “The 12 Prayers of Christmas” by Karen O. Allen.

Do you know someone for whom Christmas is a lonely, difficult season?

  • Someone who has lost a parent or spouse this year?
  • Lost a job?
  • A teacher who has been patient and kind to your child, but is going thru a difficult season themselves;
  • A neighbor or friend who has received a difficult medical diagnosis?
  • A single friend who battles loneliness?
  • An elderly person at church who always comes alone to services

Why not reach into their life with the hope of Jesus, beautifully expressed in a simple letter? Here, you’ll find a sweet new adaptation of “The 12 Days of Christmas” … but instead of a song, you can give the gift of a written prayer and scripture tucked around 12 themes of God’s love and care in a Christmas love letter written just for them! The gift is optional, because the best gift of all is simply letting them know you care. Start on December 13 and use all 12 Prayers of Christmas leading up to December 25, or simply choose one or two of these themes to bless your special friend.

12 Prayers of Christmas

Day 1: Theme: friendship

John 15:12: “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than he lay down His life for his friends.”

Present: lotion … “how great is the love that God has lavished upon us that we should be called children of God!”

Day 2 Theme: joy

Ps. 16:11: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Present: soft sweater or vest

Day 3 Theme: hope

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”

Present: ceramic nativity set

Day 4 Theme: security

Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

Present: blanket

Day 5 Theme: healing

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” ~ Psalm 107:19-21

Present: mirror, to see yourself thru your Father’s eyes

Day 6 Theme: courage

Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Present: rock

Day 7 Theme: wisdom

James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Present: Bible CD

Day 8 Theme: peace

John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Present: scented lavender candle

Day 9 Theme: provision

Phil. 4:19: And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Present: coin purse

Day 10 Theme: faith

Matthew 17:20: Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Present: seed packet

Day 11 Theme: love

Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” 

Present: jewelry box, you are HIS treasure

Day 12 Theme: celebration

Luke 2: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Present: angel pin or tree ornament