Five Short Prayers for Christmas

Last night as we were caroling in the neighborhood, I was thinking about how many of the songs we sing at Christmas are also prayers. 

It’s such a busy time of year, it’s easy enough to forget your daily prayers. Hey, you’re off the hook. You can sing a carol and find yourself praying. Here’s my top five prayers for the holidays.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set your people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.
—Charles Wesley

Purify my conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in me a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
—Book of Common Prayer

“Glory to God in the highest and peace, good will toward men.”
—Luke 2:14

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
—Isaac Watts

What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him—give my heart.
—Christina Rossetti