A Prayer for the Beginning of the Nativity Fast

​Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Here is a prayer to say as we begin the Nativity Fast:

‘Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you have come so many times to us and found no resting place. Forgive us for our overcrowded lives, our vain haste and our preoccupation with ourselves. Come again, O Lord, and through our hearts that are a disarray of voices, and our minds overcome with many fears, find a place, however humble, where You can begin to work Your wonders as you create peace and joy within us. Even in some hidden corner, in some out-of-the-way spot, we can clear away the clutter, and shut out the noise and darkness.  Come be born again in us, and we shall kneel in perfect peace with the wisest and humblest of men. Help us to enter into this Christmas Fast with humility and joy. O Lord, give us Christmas from within, that we may share it from without, on all sides, all around us, wherever there is need. O God, help us to share the blessing of your son Jesus Christ with everyone. In your Name let us keep Christmas Holy.’

‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not works, lest anyone should boast.’ Ephesians 2:9-10