A Christmas Prayer Guide
Imagine this. You’re settling down to Christmas dinner with your extended family or friends. Suddenly, everyone is looking at you. They want you to pray for the meal.
Leading a group in prayer before Christmas or any formal dinner can be intimidating. Maybe you’re the only believer in the group and the others want the “religious one” to pray. Or perhaps no one wants to pray and you feel like someone should. Even praying in front of a group of Christians can be daunting.
It doesn’t have to be a burden. You have been given an opportunity to bless people, whether they’re fellow Christians or nonbelievers. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to pray:
Don’t try to do too much
Everyone at the table might be listening to you, but this is not the time to launch into a mini-sermon with an altar call. You also don’t want to make it any longer than necessary, or else your guests will get upset that you’re keeping them from eating.
Keep it simple and genuine
Be heartfelt in your words and don’t use 50-cent words or religious jargon. Just like when you pray every day, you’re having a conversation with God. Talk to Him the same way you would among your friends.
Make Him known
Don’t be afraid to speak the name of Jesus Christ. You’re not preaching to your guests, but you don’t want to hide Jesus, either.
Don’t undo your prayer
Even if you’ve given the best prayer you’ve ever prayed, you can unravel it with an action or a misspoken word. Remember that you are an ambassador of Christ at that table and act accordingly.
Don’t forget to use the model Jesus gave us for how should pray in Matthew 6:9–13. Glorify God through your words and actions!
5 comments
Glynda | November 24, 2011
I give thanks for you and your sharing!
You make a difference in SO many lives.
I have printed all these that you have shared and know they will make a difference in the coming holidays
for me and others as God blesses you richly.
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Jodi | November 24, 2011
I agree with you wholeheartedly Cathe, we need to keep our prayer simple and honest, focus on Jesus, and be careful not to render our words meaningless by our actions. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and God bless you and your family.
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Denise | November 28, 2011
What a Blessing and just when I needed it! I usually do not get affected by the "fast paced" world
as it enters the "holiday season" (Begins around October 31st ... into "All Saints Day", faster into
"Thanksgiving".. whizzing by Christmas ... not ending until after The New Year Begins!).
This year I have been Blessed by a variety of 'stressors': My health issues, Family Stuff, and things that
Our Heavenly Father has pointed out to me that need His hand to tenderly clean out my puss infected
Spiritual Wounds.
Thank You ever-so-much in sharing this wonderful "Prayer Guide". God Bless Harvest Ministries!
Jesus Love,
Denise
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Chris | November 29, 2011
This "Open Before Christmas" is such a blessing for the women I meet with each week during bible study at the drug rehab and jail.
These women are considered thrown away by family and friends. What an encouragement from the Lord - how they can participate in His joy this season by keeping their focus on Him.
Thank you.
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Wluna | December 5, 2011
My mom has always taught us to follow a simple rule for prayer and I thought I'd share it with all of you...
ACTS abbreviated: A - for Adoration, so Praise God first, C - is Contrition to be sorry for what we have failed to do,
T - to give thanks for all His blessings, S - for supplications asking God to bless the dinner, the gathering...
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