5 things to pray for someone you love at Christmas

Christmas is looming—are people you know feeling sad, stressed or super-excited? Here are 5 things to pray for someone you love to have a genuinely special time of year.

5 things to pray based on Luke 1 v 46-55

Lord God, as we remember the gift of your Son at Christmas, please help this loved one to…

1. Rejoice in you

“My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (v 46).

Perhaps your loved one is looking forward to Christmas with great anticipation; or maybe this season is sad or stressful for them. Whatever their situation, pray that their spirit would rejoice in the truth that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners.

2. Thank you

“The Mighty One has done great things for me” (v 49).

Think through the good things that God has done in this person’s life this year, and thank God for each one. If they’re a Christian, praise God for the greatest thing that he has done for them—giving them eternal life. Thank him for all the ways in which he has been growing this person in their faith over the last 12 months.

3. Fear you

“His mercy extends to those who fear him…” (v 50).

At a time of year when the focus is on Jesus as a cute baby in a manger, pray that this loved one would also have a right fear of God: one that leads them to recognise their own sinfulness, rely on God’s mercy, and submit to Jesus as their Lord. Pray that they would find some spiritual headspace in the busyness that comes with Christmas to reflect on this.

4. Enjoy family time

“… from generation to generation” (v 50).

Pray point 3 for your loved one’s family, young and old, as they get together this Christmas. Perhaps your loved one is desperate to be an effective witness to unbelieving members of their family; boldly pray that the gospel would spread from “generation to generation”! Perhaps your loved one finds this extended time with their family difficult; pray that they would have a happy and peaceful time together.

5. Remember your goodness

“He has filled the hungry with good things” (v 53).

Thank God for the good food and good things we enjoy at Christmas time. Pray that your loved one would remember that all good things come from God, and thank him for them.

This is taken from 5 things to pray for the people you love, which is released in January and available for pre-order now.

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