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'The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it'
Isaiah 40:5
This Advent we’ll be praying for those in Brooklands Park, Brookway, Dale
Close, Foxes Dale, Hallgate, and The Hall.
Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns,
turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness,
that we may be ready to meet you
in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
30 1st Sunday in Advent In the morning, we join in thanksgiving for
Cimarron Maitland; and in the evening, we begin our musical approach to
Christmas at 6.30 pm with an advent carol service; pray for the Falkland
Islands, remember the Governor, leaders, her people and members of
the Armed Forces there to defend their freedom; pray too for Argentina,
her leaders and people, her churches and for peaceful relations with her
neighbours
1 St Andrew – give thanks for the first apostle and be dressed ready for
service, Luke 12:35: pray for the Blackheath Conservatoire choir that
practises in our halls which is having a Christmas concert; pray too on
this World AIDS Day for compassion and care, education and prevention,
science and health care and for orphans; pray for our neighbours in
Scotland, her government, churches and people.
2 Only the father knows when Christ will return Matthew 24:36; pray for
blessing from Advent, for Rachel Adams leading preparations for
Christmas Carols on 21 December; remember Rachel’s daughters
Louise & Laura, remember Peter Moss and preparations for the
Christmas Eve march through Blackheath Village with a donkey.
3 The true light gives light to everyone John 1:9; give thanks for a year of
the 11 o’clock club as they enjoy their Christmas lunch; pray for those
living in Brookway, especially Louise Johnson & Georgina and James
and for Chris Westwick; give thanks for harvests globally; pray for lower
post-harvest losses through better handling, storage and distribution.
4 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Psalm 122:6-7 and for the incoming
administration in the United States; remember our Prayer Meeting this
evening; pray for the 2nd Chance Choir that practises in our halls and
which is having a Christmas concert; pray for those who live in Hallgate
especially Roy & Doreen and those who join with them in the Blackheath
Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers).
5 Jesus said, ‘go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard’
Luke 7:22; remember Kathryn Rogers and their family as they come to
Christmas without Keith and give thanks for Conrad & Wendy Parsons
with children Natasha, Harmoni and William in Australia, pray for new
opportunities in 2009.
6 Nicolas, Bishop of Myra – The prototype for our Santa Claus and
patron saint of Russia and we pray for that country, her leaders, her
churches, her people, their future interwoven with our own; pray for those
living in Brooklands Park especially Marion Chittleborough, Annie
Hepher, Elizabeth Wiggans and their families.
7 2nd Sunday in Advent Pray for our services; our Sports Club Celebration
and Toy Service; the Sports Club new Video will be shown and we will be
collecting toys to give to local homeless families; pray for the Hill family,
Mary & Peter and sons, Dominic and Malcolm in Brooklands Park.
8 Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – may we see this young virgin
in our minds eye, as heavily pregnant, she makes her way to Bethlehem;
pray for Ian & Natalie Wilson and their children Iona and Thomas as well
as children whom Ian teaches.
9 Is there some spiritual housework to do before I make my Christmas
communion? 1 Corinthians 11:27-28; pray for Douglas & Michelle
Thornhill and Tia & Kieran from Crathie Road &, from Leyland Road, the
Hawkins family Julian & Linda and Louise and the Kettlewells, Guy,
Elizabeth & Sophie; pray for the Blackheath Prep School Christmas
Service today.
10 If Jesus returns this week, what will He find me doing? Luke 12:35-40;
pray for those who live in the Hall, specially Michael & Pamela Mossman,
Joy Weller and sister Hazel, Joyce Winchester and the chairman of our
scout group: Kim & Sue Chatterly & sons Joseph & Sam; and pray for
First Steps Nursery Christmas nativity play.
11 The carol tells us ‘How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given’ is
there ever a silent space in my life for Christ to come to me quietly?
1 Kings 19:12; pray for Cecilia Exell and for Brenda and John Woolf from
Pitfold Road.
12 Ember Day – Is there someone whom I know whose talents are going to
waste and what might I do to nurture them? John 1:41-42; pray for those
who join us from Effingham Road including Jason & Jean Dalrymple,
Stephen & Elizabeth Hingston & Josephine, and Tabitha White;
members of the Diocesan Advisory Committee visit St Michael’s to
consider a crèche scheme.
13 Samuel Johnson – give thanks for language, for scholarship and their
use in supporting faith and morality; as each Christmas card arrives or
leaves are we praying for our distant friends? 1 Corinthians 1:4; pray for
those living in Foxes Dale not least Sarah Burnard, Rosemary Guest &
Alan Perry, Chris & Maggie Holland, James & Alina Sears, Matthew &
Sue Wooder and their sons, Alastair and Duncan.
14 3rd Sunday in Advent In our mind’s eye can we see Zechariah &
Elizabeth and the baby who’ll grow up to be John the Baptist preparing
the way for Christ? Luke 1:39-45; give thanks for those to whom we have
turned at crisis points in our lives and pray for those who turn to us.
15 As we watch & wait for Jesus’ return, can we imagine Simeon & Anna
going to the Temple each day and awaiting the Saviour? Luke 2:25 & 36;
thank God for Sheila Baughan and her years of ministry in South
America remembering that continent, her leaders, her churches and her
peoples; pray for the Blackheath High Christmas Service today.
16 Who are we or am I hearing as a prophet today? Luke 2:68-70; pray for
Oliver Burmester baptised a year ago today and for parents Tom and
Zoe who live in the Lane; pray for our Queen and for her Christmas
broadcast giving thanks for her faith and faithfulness over nigh on 57
years and praying for her family and the Commonwealth of nations.
17 Wisdom – Proverbs 8:22-31 – do read about delightful wisdom; pray for
those who live in Dale Close; might we each spend a moment prayerfully
imagining children growing up in Bethlehem and in Gaza today?.
18 The local clergy meet for their annual lunch; pray for their preparations
for Christmas and for blessing in each local parish and congregation; for
those from Micheldever Road including Martin & Jo Page and daughters
Harriet & Elly and for the Riverston School Christmas Service.
19 If one was choosing a present for Jesus this Christmas what would it be?
Romans 12:1-2; pray for the Callaghan family spending their
2nd Christmas in Egham, Kim & Michael, Reece & Brandon; pray for carol
singers – young and older - in Blackheath Park and visiting Aldington
House & the Gables this year as well as residents and staff there.
20 Amidst being so busy about Christmas celebrations may we be still to
listen to the angels’ song, Glory to God in the highest and peace to His
people on earth, Luke 2:14; pray for the retelling of the Christmas story in
minds and in homes in our parish – reading, listening, watching, singing,
and even just humming along to carols… may we remember Christ.
21 4th Sunday in Advent Pray for our services, give thanks for the beauty of
our church building and pray especially for those coming specially for the
Carol Service at 6.30pm and for all whose contributions may help to
make them welcome recipients of the gospel message; pray today for
Nigeria and her large Anglican church, may her leaders be wise and
honourable.
22 Thomas the ‘doubting’ apostle – Pray today for those who are making
a living from attacking faith in God, establishing themselves as prominent
atheists; for those who are becoming friends of God’s friends… may
simple friendship and acts of love, quietly speak to them of a loving Lord;
may each of us show kindness to another today.
23 Pray for those who will be in hospital or in prison this Christmas; pray for
staff working over Christmas and for relatives separated from their loved
ones; pray especially for isolated individuals who feel unloved at this
time; pray for Christians in states where Islam is dominant, may they
shine brightly for Christ and be kept safe from harm to witness to the
saving life, death and resurrection of Jesus God’s own Son
Pick up a calendar to pray through the twelve days of Christmas.
24 Christmas Eve – What do I see in the sky tonight, stars piercing the
darkness of the night, a Saviour born, angels filling the sky with glory…?
Luke 2:8-20; pray for our services today and for those wondering about
coming; may we approach the Lord’s Table in humility and accept His
gifts to us.
3.45pm Christingle then procession through Blackheath with donkey
11.15pm the midnight Communion
And on Christmas Day:
9 am a quiet communion service and
10.30am an all age service on Christmas morning
I bring you good news of great joy:
a Saviour has been born to you. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Happy Christmas !
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