Christmas is a time for worship and so I offer some prayers for those who would like to make Christmas a part of their worship all year long.
A Scientist's Prayer
God, you attracted the Magi to Bethlehem by the brightness of a star. May I find by my research into this universe the simple elegance they discovered at Bethlehem in finding the Child with Mary his mother. You have given me their same curiosity. Give me also their humility that I may see the brilliance of your wisdom in the heavens and the earth, in each creature and in our human enterprise. May I be wise enough to find you in seeking knowledge and seek you in bringing forth its fruits. Amen.
A Physician's Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to touch the flesh of the person before me with the same care with which Mary cradled her child at Bethlehem. Give me the courage to guide the spirit of this person the way Joseph sought a safe place for the child he accepted as his own. Bestow upon me the wisdom to offer human solace to this patient along with my scientific knowledge of your creation. May all I do prepare this patient for all you desire to accomplish beyond my power to heal. For to you alone who created and redeemed us both belongs the power to make all things complete. Amen.
A Pastor's Prayer
God, you sent angels to the shepherds to announce good news and great joy. Let me hear their song as I prepare my sermons and teachings. Give me their spirit of trust that I too may see the things you have brought about and speak of them to all who will hear me. Like Simeon in the Temple, let me also hold your child with great awe and know that all you have promised me you will fulfill. Then may I be as obedient to you as Christ to his parents, so that I too may grow in the same age, grace, and wisdom that I share with others in sharing you. Amen.
A Politician's Prayer
God, you spoke to Joseph in dreams giving him courage to care for your Son. Because of a dream he accepted Mary though her child was not his own. Because of a dream he took the child and his mother and fled into exile, then brought them home to a safe haven. Stir my heart with dreams so that I may care diligently for what belongs to others not to me. In dreams fire me with the courage to defend life in all stages and forms, even the unseen, unpopular and unfamiliar. Show me dreams that can only be accomplished if you are at work and a people with you. Then give me the patience to stay in your care as I work with other to serve the needs of the many. Amen.
A Twenty-Something's Prayer
God, you seem so intent on going unnoticed. Your Son was born in Bethlehem where there was no room for him. He went unnoticed for 30 years living in Nazareth. He gathered so few disciples in his lifetime that we know the names of less than 30. He seems known more for his death than his life. And I wait to be noticed, to have a future, to succeed at something, and hope to have a life and not just wait to die. I don't want to be a sheep waiting in the silent night. Show me how to enter that pure light shining round the Mother and Child. I feel it at times surging within me; give me its peace and let it light my path. Amen.
Father Richard Chiola is a certified counselor, pastor of St. Cabrini Parish in Springfield and diocesan director for the ongoing formation of clergy.