About this prayer
An original devotional prayer written for this companion. Pray slowly, bringing your own intentions before God. This is not a prescribed liturgical formula.
Prayer text
Infant Jesus, Son of God and child of Mary, you came among us in humility and love. Teach me to trust the Father and welcome his gifts with a grateful heart. Bless children and all who care for them. Protect families in hardship and those who have no safe home. In my own needs, free me from fear and help me seek what is truly good. May I recognize you in the small, the poor and the vulnerable, and serve you with joy. Amen.
Extended community prayer
The original prayer above is unchanged. This separate community version includes additional intentions and responses. One person leads; everyone joins in the shared parts.
Let us gather in the presence of God, remembering those who pray with us and those who cannot be here. We bring our gratitude, our needs, and our willingness to care for one another.
God of love, unite our hearts in prayer and teach us to serve you together.
Infant Jesus, Son of God and child of Mary, you came among us in humility and love. Teach me to trust the Father and welcome his gifts with a grateful heart. Bless children and all who care for them. Protect families in hardship and those who have no safe home. In my own needs, free me from fear and help me seek what is truly good. May I recognize you in the small, the poor and the vulnerable, and serve you with joy. Amen.
Community intentions
For children who lack safety, nourishment, or affection, raise up caregivers and communities who will defend and cherish them.
Lord, hear our prayer, and help us become instruments of your mercy.
For adults burdened by pride and anxiety, teach us the humility to receive help and trust the Father one day at a time.
Lord, hear our prayer, and help us become instruments of your mercy.
Pause for silent prayer. Intentions may be offered aloud freely; no one is required to share.
For the intentions spoken and those held quietly in our hearts, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, receive our prayer and sustain us in your love.
Let us entrust ourselves and those for whom we have prayed to the Father.
Merciful Father, receive our prayer through Jesus Christ. Where we can offer help, make us willing; where we must wait, give us patience. Keep us attentive to one another beyond this gathering. May the grace of this prayer take root in our homes, our work, and our choices, so that your love becomes visible through our lives. Amen.