Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

December 2024 > Download Prayer Focus

St Dorothea's, Gilnahirk
1st December 2024

Bishop’s Curate: Ken McGrath

  • We are in the middle of some urgent renewal and repairs with respect to our buildings, with Phase 1 being completed and paid for by July this year. Greatly encouraged, we pray for the faith and stamina and for God’s provision for the completion of Phase 2.

  • Give thanks that our monthly Messy Church has been attracting large numbers and pray for our Nativity Pantomime, “Postcards from Bethlehem” on Friday 13 December. As invitations go out to the whole neighbourhood, please pray that local families will join us, both for the Panto and our various Christmas services.

  • We give thanks for the faithful group who attend our regular Parish Prayer meetings and Bible Studies. Please pray with us that more people would attend in 2025.

  • We have a small but very creative Sunday School, and we give thanks that it has grown over the last 12 months. Please pray that it would keep growing and for encouragement and inspiration for those who lead it.

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St Columba's, Knock
8th December 2024

Rector: John Auchmuty

  • We pray for our Creche and Sunday School, giving thanks for the children’s enthusiasm and the encouragement of our dedicated teachers and volunteers.

  • We pray for those suffering distress, worry, sadness, loss, illness and grief. May they see the brightness of God’s love and guidance as we prepare for the coming of Christ, the light of the world into our lives.

  • We pray for our country, that our public representatives can find ways to work through the challenges facing so many at this time, and that God will guide them to make good decisions for all.

  • We pray during these busy weeks of Advent that we may remain focused on the coming of God’s son into our lives on Christmas Day and not be distracted with the materialistic pressures.  

  • We pray for all Charity workers and volunteers giving thanks for their work.  May we be generous in our financial support to their work at all our church services.

Knockbreda Parish
15th December 2024

Rector: Bill Press

  • Please pray for all our Christmas outreach events, especially our puppet show for children on Christmas Eve at 4.00pm.

  • For a clear proclamation of the Gospel at our carol services. 

  • Pray for warm fellowship at our Christmas Seniors’ Lunch, Nativity Service, Carols and Cake Service, Nine Lessons and Carols, and New Year’s Eve quiz. 

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Christmas in our parishes
22nd December 2024

  • Holy Spirit, renew among us a sense of worship and wonder as we re-tell the Christmas story. May we incarnate Jesus in our families and communities, pointing them to the ‘Saviour who is Christ the Lord’.

  • We pray that throughout the diocese many would be drawn to worship with us on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and beyond.  May they find Jesus among us.

  • We pray for stamina and grace for our clergy and leaders in this very busy season.

  • We give thanks for all those in our churches who serve with their time and talents to allow worship and ministry to take place each week.   

The year ahead in the diocese
29th December 2024

  • Please pray that 2025 will be a year where we move significantly forward in all three diocesan priorities - discipleship, leadership, and apostleship - so that our churches are better strengthened, encouraged, and equipped to proclaim Christ.

  • Pray for all in our parishes, especially those who serve in any way alongside clergy and staff, that together we will lean into all that God calls us to be and to become.

  • Please pray for the selection, training and equipping of people for ministry in our parishes, the church at large and in society. 

  • Pray for the health and wellbeing of clergy and clergy families.

  • Please pray for the Speak Jesus initiative in 2025, that as a diocese we will grasp the vision and connect with every home in our parishes.

  • Pray that we will prioritise putting our resources, time, talents, and finances into reaching many for Christ, and that we will faithfully pass on the faith to the next generation. 

  • Pray that our diocesan events in 2025 will lead to growth in all the parishes and church plants in our diocese and beyond.

  • Please pray that we as a diocese would be a blessing to the whole church of God of every tradition in Ireland as we seek to work with others.