Sacred Meditations

We thank our Lord of glory for the example His servant, Stephen–the first martyr–who confessed his faith as he looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors (see Acts 7:54-60). Saint Stephen (December 26), from The Book of Common Prayer.

On this Christmas Day, the yearly festival of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray that we who joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer may confidently behold Him when He comes to be our Judge. The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day (first collect), from The Book of …

On this Christmas Eve–the eve of celebrating Jesus’ nativity–we pray that we may know our gracious Savior both here on earth and perfectly in heaven. The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day (second collect), from The Book of Common Prayer.

This Advent prayer comes from a well-known hymn with a lilting tune, “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates.” Its final stanza offers this wonderful prayer to our gracious Redeemer, Jesus Christ. See Lutheran Service Book, 341, stanza 5.

In this hymn text as a prayer, we bid our precious Ransom, our coming King Jesus, to come and give us hope by His grace. See Lutheran Service Book, 350, stanzas 1 & 3.

Just as Thomas had his questions about the risen Lord Jesus (see John 20:24-29), we may also have our questions. We pray God to grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and God. Saint Thomas (December 21), from The Book of Common Prayer.

In this fourth week of Advent we ask our Almighty God to purify our conscience by His daily visitation. Fourth Sunday of Advent, from The Book of Common Prayer.

The great Advent hymns we love to sing also make excellent prayers. Here is stanza 1 of “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” See Lutheran Service Book, 338, stanza 1.

In this Advent season we have meditated on the coming of Christ in the flesh. In this prayer, from Johann Starck, we call upon our King of Glory to work the benefits of His coming in us. Source: Starck’s Prayer-Book, by Johann Starck (translated and edited by W. H. T. …

During Advent we meditate on our Coming King who comes to save us sinners. Johann Starck, in his Prayer Book, leads us in praying to Jesus who comes to us in our Baptism. Source: Starck’s Prayer-Book, by Johann Starck (translated and edited by W. H. T. Dau, 1921), page 65.