My boys have started the countdown. Every morning it’s “Is it Christmas yet!?” and most afternoons there’s a new addition to the wish list. (Does anyone know where I can buy a ‘Spiderman Web Shooter’ that won’t break?) Honestly, seeing the season through their eyes is one of my favourite parts of being a mum.
But Christmas doesn’t feel the same for everyone. In my local community, and in communities right across Australia, I see people heading into December full of joy. But I know there are others who are carrying grief, loneliness or worry. And many are quietly wondering about bigger questions of life and faith.
This Christmas, we’re doing things a little differently.
As we move toward the end of another fantastic year, I am so thankful for the people all over Australia who have created space to explore faith together. And that’s you! Whether you hosted, invited, gave, prayed or encouraged someone along the way this year, you’ve helped make this crucial space for people to explore their big questions about life and faith.
So with this in mind, I’d love to invite you to pray with us. Let’s bring our nation before God with thankful hearts, and expectant ones too, ready for what he might do in our communities in the months ahead.
Psalm 147:4 says, “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name”.
Not one is overlooked. And if that’s true of the stars, it’s true of the people we love, the ones who are searching, and the ones we’re not sure how to reach. We can bring each of them to God by name, trusting that he sees them and is already at work.
Join us for the Week of Prayer in December
From 1-7 December, we’ll be praying each day for Australia in our Week of Prayer. Every day during the week, you’ll receive an email with a short video from a member of the Alpha team, leading us in a time of prayer for a specific ministry focus. The emails will also include prompts and suggestions for you to use in your own personal times of prayer through the week.
You can sign up for Week of Prayer emails here, and may opt out at any time.
Sign up for the Week of Prayer
Put your prayers on the map
You don’t have to wait until the Week of Prayer to join your prayers with others across Australia. Head to the Prayer Map to drop a pin for the place you call home or a place that’s on your heart. You can select states, suburbs or postcodes, and let us know you’re praying along with us. Your prayers will show up on the map along with your name and where you’re from. You can also add a prayer request on the Prayer Wall, and our team will take the time to pray personally for you.
Bring someone along on the journey
As you’re praying, I’d love to encourage you to consider the people in your life – family, friends, or coworkers. Is there someone who would be open to an invitation to your Christmas service, or maybe to Alpha in the new year? Sometimes a simple “Would you like to come along with me?” is all it takes to encourage someone to try something new.
Thanks for praying with us
I’m looking forward to praying with you this Christmas! Praying God’s richest blessings over you and your ministry work.