Christmas prayer tree

Christmas Prayer Tree

James 5:13-15

Our children’s ministry set up a Christmas tree. Next to the tree, they provided markers and paper that could be folded and inserted into ornaments. The sign said: “Prayer Tree” and invited us to write our prayer requests and hang the ornaments on the tree. Hundreds of people responded. What follows are a few of those requests:

Praising God for all my blessings and asking for prayers for my family.
Peace on earth. Health. Love. Patience. Inner Peace. End of violence.
I pray for our military and our country.
I pray that I can ride a bike better.
For health and good grades.
Everyone will be good.
I pray for snow and a hamster.
I hope everyone has a great Christmas.

Prayers come in all shapes and sizes, with different circumstances and varying needs. Children tend to be cute, blunt, and honest about prayer needs which can produce selfish prayers or the most unselfish of prayers. Adults are more careful and less vulnerable but when a crisis comes, prayers dramatically change.

Pray for friend – strength and perseverance.
I pray for my mom to find comfort in the rest home.
I pray my daughter finds the Lord.
Peace in my marriage. Hold me and my husband, dear God.
Prayers for our children as they undertake new job responsibilities.
I pray for a cure for childhood cancer.
Dear Lord, please make my Gramma better.
Please God, let my parents be closer and more friendly.
Family members disconnected from church and God’s grace.

Christmas is full of celebrations and gifts, but never forget that Christmas is really about Jesus Christ: his birth, life, death, resurrection, and continued presence in our lives. Prayer is that vital connection to Jesus who is listening and responding.

Thank you for life.
I pray that my mom will do good on her new job.
I pray all will have a warm place this Christmas.
I pray that nobody gets sick for Christmas.

“Don’t be afraid! I bring good news!” Just as God announced the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds, God continues to be an active part of our daily lives. Christmas is an opportunity to connect with family and friends and enjoy the season. But Christmas is also a time to remember: the same God who announced the birth of Jesus also wants to play a vital role in your life and mine. But even in prayer… kids will be kids.

I’m thankful for God and for Santa.
Dear Lord, I pray for a good Christmas and a Nintendo.
I want my doll from Santa.

Smile.

Prayer Challenge: What would you write on your prayer Christmas ornament?