It's easy in the holiday season to get wrapped up in the gifts and the hustle and bustle. Instead of enjoying the season of Advent, waiting with anticipation for the Lord’s birth, I let stress and headaches replace my expectancy. So how do I keep our eyes on the Lord, even when the world is rushing around? I pray. Prayer centers my heart and my mind on what matters most - Jesus Christ and his birth! If you're looking for a way to settle your soul and focus your heart this Christmas season, here are 10 powerful Advent prayers to pray while you count down to Christmas Day.
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When my kids were young, I used to comb consignment shops and my local Goodwill for toys and gifts for my kids each year to resemble the Christmas my husband and I used to have as kids. But we quickly realized it became more about presents than on His presence. To keep focused, pray this:
Lord, help me to keep your presence the main focus rather than on presents. All the possessions in the world will not make me happy. Everything comes from you, Lord. You are the one true joy in this world. Help me see how I am already so blessed, and that material things do not equate to blessings that truly matter. Help me to rightly order treasures on earth, far below the treasures of heaven. Each day, I ask you to help me keep things simple and focused on you. Amen.
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As the wise men traveled to witness Jesus’ birth, they had the star to guide them through the darkness. If they had taken their eyes off of it, not only would they be consumed with darkness, but they would also lose their direction. During Christmas, with the holiday commercials bombarding us on TV and billboards (not to mention Santa making his appearance in the local mall), it is easy to take our eyes off the One who guides and directs our path. We need Jesus’ light in our lives to guide us. Pray this:
Lord, I pray I don’t lose my direction or become consumed by darkness because I took my eyes off of you. Just as you guided the wise men to Jesus, be my guiding light this holiday season. Thank you that you promise to guide my steps, and that you bend low to keep me on the right path. Help me to walk in your direction and not try to go my own way. Forgive me for how quickly I become distracted by the things that don’t matter. Each day, realign my heart toward what matters most. Amen.
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Christmas can be fun, but only until the credit card bills roll in in January. The rising costs of items on our Christmas list can put us in the red financially. God never intended for a day to worship Jesus to be overshadowed by money (or lack thereof.) It is never good to compromise your financial freedom to celebrate the birth of the one who gives us total freedom. Pray this:
Lord, this world wants me to believe that the acquiring of things matters more than anything else. But I know that you desire a heart that longs to acquire wisdom and grow in love. You are the one that gives us true freedom. Help me to make good decisions when it comes to my finances, as money can be the root of all kinds of evil if left unchecked. Help me to make purchases within reason for the gifts I can’t afford, give me the ability to make or get creative. Help me to give the gift of love, and help me to receive the gift of financial freedom. Amen.
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The Luke 2 account gives us a glimpse into what the world received through Christ’s birth: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests”’ (Luke 2:13-14). If we are God’s children, then we must be His favorite. Therefore, we are given the gift of peace here on earth, not of fear. But cortisol that gets released in our bodies when we are under extreme stress can cause us to feel more fearful than peaceful. Pray this:
Lord, you are the one that gives true peace. Glory to You, Father! Thank you for the peace you give on those whom your favor rests! Thank you that I am your child. Thank you for the gift of your unconditional, unmerited love! Help me delight in that love, delight in you, and draw my thoughts, my heart and my habits every more toward you and away from the things of this world. Help me replace my fear with peace. Don’t let me rely on myself, but on you. Let me receive the peace given to me through your birth. Amen.
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In this angry world, we all could use extra kindness and goodness in our world. Be the person who opens the door at the store, pay for the purchases of person behind you pray for those whose holiday won’t be so cheerful. Pray this:
So many are suffering this Christmas. Their holiday will not be merry or bright, but full of sadness. Lord, help me to spread good will and cheer to all around me. Help me to be grateful for all of the blessings you have given me. Open my eyes to the people you want me to bless each day; even in the smallest of ways. Show me the strength I will need to approach the Christmas season with a thoughtful mind and spirit, even when it is difficult. Amen.
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The wise men were considered knowledgeable among the people in their day. We could all use an extra bit of wisdom in addition to kindness. Where can you exhibit this in your Christmas budget? Our holiday food choices? Your abundance of Christmas gifts? Pray this:
Lord, help me to exhibit wisdom in all areas of this season. Wisdom to spend wisely and wisdom to say no when necessary. Wisdom not to overfill my schedule, leaving me tired and frustrated. Please help me to remember to exhibit wisdom at times it might not be as easy as I’d like, especially in the chaos of the Christmas season. Help others to acknowledge this wisdom and allow me to impart this wisdom on others. Amen.
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Mary was a great example of someone who yielded her entire life to God’s will, even if it meant great danger or a lack of immediate understanding. Upon learning of her pregnancy, she accepts without complaint. How many of us can say we would obey everything the Lord asks of us even if it meant losing loved ones, or other creature comforts we have worked so hard to achieve? During Christmas, it is advertised that not only should we get expensive gifts for those we love, but that we deserve them. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are snapped back to the reality that we deserve nothing and that apart from him we can do nothing. We have the privilege of participating in God’s work, but it is our choice to obey God’s will or not. Pray this:
Lord, help me yield my life to you, no matter what the cost. Let me discern your will and follow it wholeheartedly. Help me understand that I can do nothing apart from you. While the Christmas season motivates many to do as much as they can for everyone around them in an effort to spread joy, let us remember that every single thing we are doing is possible only through you. Help me to willingly participate in the work of your Kingdom. Amen.
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I can only imagine what everyone thought of Mary as she walked around with a baby in her (assumed) virgin belly. I can’t imagine anyone bought her “story” that she had was called to carry Jesus while still a virgin. The ridicule and stares must have been more than she could bear at times. She paid a huge price to be obedient to the savior. How many times do I make assumptions without all the facts? The poorly dressed man who walks into church on Christmas Eve may not be lazy or uncaring about the seriousness of the holiday. Maybe he can’t afford better clothes or worse, just lost his job. Pray this:
Lord, help me to get all the facts before making an assumption. Help me not to judge others by mere appearances. In what way could I be a light to someone and give them a special gift this Christmas? Sometimes the greatest gifts are those that are not the easiest to give, but are the ones that others might need the most. This Christmas, help me to give the gifts of kindness and compassion to others. Help me to be bold to spread your love this year. Amen.
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Joseph, without hearing from the angel, would have divorced Mary quietly, after assuming she had been an adulteress. But it was the angel’s intervention that made the difference in Joseph and Mary’s relationship. Joseph needed to discern that it wasn’t just a dream, but rather a clear voice from God telling him what to do. Do you have the ability to discern God’s voice from the whirring sound of the world?
Pray this:
Lord, give me the gift of discernment in my life. Help me to know when you are speaking, or when it is just the world’s lies. Help me to cut out the worlds’ chatter and hear you clearly. While the Christmas season is a beautiful time of worship and reflection, it is also a time that is filled with temptations of all sorts. Please help me to discern your truths, and to follow you in every aspect of my life. I pray that you will help me to remember the blessed truths that you encourage your children to follow, and follow in your teachings while motivating others to do the same. Amen.
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Finally, the best gift you can give yourself is living in the knowledge that you are loved and known by a risen Savior, who lowered himself and came to earth via natural childbirth. What a sacrifice! Living the other 364 days not worrying about what others think and living like you are loved and accepted, is the best gift anyone could receive. Strive today to help people know they are loved. Pray this:
Lord, help me to live every day knowing you love me no matter what. Let me exude the seeds of the fruits your spirit that dwells within me has sown. Place people in my path that need this gift, too. In this hectic season, we often focus on material presents in an effort to give back to those around us. While this is a kind gesture, we need to step back and realize that the most important gifts are not the ones that can be wrapped up with fancy bows. We must remember that you are the greatest gift of all. Amen.
Advent can be a great time of expectation of the Savior, stress free and a time of great celebration. Or it can be a time full of stress, leaving you wishing it was December 26th. The choice is yours. Choose to wait with great anticipation of the savior. Relish in receiving the greatest gift of all this season.
Michelle S. Lazurek is an award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife and mother. Winner of the Golden Scroll Children's Book of the Year, the Enduring Light Silver Medal and the Maxwell Award, she is a member of the Christian Author's Network and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She is also an associate literary agent with Wordwise Media Services. For more information, please visit her website at michellelazurek.com.
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This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!
What is Christmas? Understanding History, Origin and Traditions
Christmas Eve History and Traditions
The History of Santa Claus: Origin of St. Nicholas & Christmas Traditions
When Was Jesus Born? History of December 25th
Where Was Jesus Born? 5 Things to Know about Bethlehem
The Birth of Jesus: Bible Story and Scripture Verses
Why Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Were Given to Baby Jesus
What is Advent: Definition & Meaning Behind Christmas Tradition
Advent Wreath & Candles - Understanding the History, Meaning, and Tradition
The History and Meaning of the Advent Calendar
Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story
Christmas Prayers