This prayer was written for our church's Carol Service 2014.  It is based on themes from the Carol 'Hark the herald angels sing', and is designed to be used after the talk.  It touches on themes of response, but is also outward looking towards the needs of the world.  Feel free to adapt as it works for you.

You can display the words on the screen, or print them out, or simply explain that each time you say "Hark the herald angels sing", the congregation can respond "Glory to the newborn King."

 

God, today we choose to “Hark”, 
to listen to your voice,
to be still and know that you are God with us.
 
Hark! The herald angels sing,
RESPONSE: Glory to the newborn King.
 
God we hear your promise of “peace on earth”,
but we know that the nations have not yet embraced your peace.
God we pray for Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, 
[pause here for people to silently add other places and situations]
and all other places where there is war, anger and broken lives.
 
Hark! The herald angels sing,
RESPONSE: Glory to the newborn King.

God we hear about the “incarnate Deity”,
that you were pleased to dwell with us in flesh and blood.
May we know you as Emmanuel, God with us,
and may we share your presence with those around us.
 
Hark! The herald angels sing,
RESPONSE: Glory to the newborn King.
 
God we hear that Jesus was “born that we no more may die.”
Be with those who are grieving at this time.
[pause for silent prayer for people grieving]
Help us to embrace your promise of second birth and resurrection,
and live it out even here on earth.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
RESPONSE: Glory to the newborn King.