A Prayer for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

This comes from Bread for the World's Prayers to End Hunger: December 29 - January 11

On the first day of January, many Christian traditions celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. It commemorates the naming of the child Jesus. “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived” (Luke 2:21). This is a name above all names, whose attributes reveal God’s character and his love for humankind. As we start this new year, let us reflect upon the ministry of Jesus and commit ourselves through prayer and action to make our advocacy work as a witness of his attributes and character.

Dear God, almighty and full of mercy:

We are thankful for the start of another year in which you have given us the privilege to serve you by serving our neighbor.

We understand that it is by grace that we can do the good works that you planned for us to do.

Help us love our neighbor, looking at them through your eyes, as men and women created in your image, and who are entitled to a dignified life that meets their needs for nutritious food, work with a living wage, more than adequate housing, opportunity for education, and affordable health care.

Through the miracle of incarnation, you dwelled among us and experienced our pain, joy, dreams, and ambitions. Help us to reach out with empathy and be able to minister not only for the most affected but with the most affected.

You called us to serve and not to be served. Help us use the different vocations you have entrusted to us so we can serve one another.

As shepherds help us be a resource and guide to those who feel called to do the work of advocacy to end hunger and poverty.

Help the light of our works of righteousness so shine, that lawmakers are moved to do what is just and right for the vulnerable and marginalized.

You are our advocate, empower us to be effective advocates of justice and righteousness for those who are struggling with hunger and poverty.

Prince of Peace, help us be transformational agents of your peace that brings: wholeness, health, integrity, soundness, welfare (a safety net), security, reconciliation, prosperity, harmony, and absence of conflict.

We pray for these things in your Holy Name. Amen.