Daily Prayers for December 6

Nicholas of Myra (Fourth Century)

The original “Old St. Nick” who inspired the tradition of Santa Claus, Nicholas was bishop of Myra in fourth-century Turkey. Little is known about his life except that he entrusted himself to -Jesus at an early age and, when his parents died, gave all of their possessions to the poor. While serving as bishop, Nicholas learned of three girls who were going to be sold into slavery by their father. Moved to use the church’s wealth to ransom the lives of these little ones, he tossed three bags of gold through the family’s window. We recall this ancient Christmas gift, even as we remember that 1.2 million children are trafficked each year in the global sex trade today.

O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you

as the day rises to meet the sun.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Come, let us bow down and bend the knee : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Song “The Kingdom of God”

Remember your little ones, Lord : and give us courage to stand for them.

Psalm 33:18 – 21

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him : on those who wait upon his love,

to pluck their lives from death : and to feed them in time of famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord : he is our help and our shield.

Indeed, our heart rejoices in him : for in his holy name we put our trust.

Remember your little ones, Lord : and give us courage to stand for them.

Isaiah 3:8 – 15 Luke 21:5 – 19

Remember your little ones, Lord : and give us courage to stand for them.

Catherine Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army and a passionate advocate for children, said, “There is no improving the future without disturbing the present.”

Prayers for Others

Our Father

Lord -Jesus Christ, you welcomed the little children to come unto you and invited us to come like them. Help us see how we can welcome children as you have welcomed us into your body. Amen.

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.