Welcome to the St Ed’s and St Peter’s Prayer Hub for the week beginning Sunday 13th December.

This week sees us travelling deeper into our Advent journey and we light the third candle on our wreath. The third candle represents JOY. In a year where there has perhaps been seemingly little joy it is good to pause and remember what joy is about and why, even on the darkest of days we can still know joy. This is the joy that comes despite our circumstances but rather comes from our identity in belonging to Christ.

In a year when we have longed for good news we are reminded that Jesus is The Good News. Angels and shepherds are filled with joy because there is Good News. Jesus is born. He is here. This is what our faith rests on, the Good News that God is not absent, but rather present in all that fills our lives - the good, the bad, the ups and the downs.

In our prayers this week we invite you to focus on the word joy, as we reflect on what it might mean in difficult times, and how the Good News of Jesus Christ brings light, hope and peace to our world.

St. Paul writes to the Philippians Christians

May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again; rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

(Phil 4:4-7)

Sunday: We give thanks today for the joy that comes from belonging to Christ and for the joy of belonging to one another.

Monday: Hold in the Light of Christ any particular situations and circumstances where the joy of Christ’s love would make a difference.

Tuesday: Ask God to give you a deep sense of joy that comes from belonging to him.

Wednesday: Pray for those who are struggling with concerns about their businesses and livelihoods and whose futures are uncertain.

Thursday: In all the uncertainty regarding Brexit pray for our leaders and ask for God’s wisdom for them in their decision making.

Friday: Pray for our life and witness in our community as we seek to share God’s love over these next few weeks.

Saturday: As we prepare to worship tomorrow pray that our worship may bring joy to God.

Attached is a sheet of the above in case you prefer to print a copy for reference