Christmas Eve services at church can be such a meaningful time of reflection for church members and visitors alike, as they focus on the birth of Jesus Christ.
An important part of the church service on Christmas Eve is prayer. Whether it is an opening prayer, a closing prayer, or a prayer for other aspects of the Christmas season, it’s important to be prepared for praying a prayer that conveys what our Almighty God has put on your heart.
These 11 Christmas Eve prayers for church service provide some great examples and ideas for praying at the Christmas Eve service.
At the end of this article, don’t miss the link to a printable, ad-free version of these prayers so that you can print them out for handy reference.
11 Christmas Eve Prayers for Church Service
The Christmas season can be so busy, and we can get distracted from the true meaning of Christmas.
Taking the time for reflection during this stressful time reminds us of the grace of our almighty God in our lives. We are reminded of the reason not only for Christmas but our whole lives – Jesus!
These Christmas Eve prayers for church service are helpful for planning an event at church, but some might be helpful in your own personal or family celebrations at home. Feel free to use them for inspiration in your church or home celebrations.
Prayer to Begin the Service: Reflecting on the Birth of Christ
O Lord,
We gather together this Christmas Eve, preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We wait, just as the world waited for the Prince of Peace, the Holy Child, Immanuel.
We are grateful for this time to worship You and thank You for bringing us the light of the world!
Please prepare our hearts to focus on the true meaning of the season.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Note: Some churches follow a liturgical calendar and might have readings and prayers already designated for lighting the Advent candle on Christmas Eve.
Others choose their own scriptures for the lighting of Advent candles, and a prayer might be expected from the person reading the Bible verses. This is an example of a prayer that you might give at an Advent candle lighting.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As the light from this Advent candle shines, may the light of Christ shine in our lives.
May we let Your Word shine brightly into our hearts, helping shape us into who You want us to be.
Let Your joy and love shine through us, allowing us to reflect You to others.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Families and Unity in Christ
This may be a prayer better suited for a Christmas celebration at home, like a Christmas Eve dinner or on Christmas morning at home. It could be used with some modifications for a service at church.
O God,
As we gather together to glorify You on this holy night, please bless our friends and family members. Bring us together in unity this Christmas season.
May we love others as You have loved us. Thank You for the greatest gift of all – the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for the Humble and Grateful Hearts
Dear Father God,
We see how Jesus humbled Himself to be born a child, and live as an earthly man. Help us to follow this example, that we would have humble hearts.
Help us to see how You have graciously blessed us this season. Fill us with gratitude for the ways You have provided. Thank You for the greatest gift of all: eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
May we follow the humble examples of Joseph and Mary as they served You as You called them.
May our hearts be strengthened and comforted by the Prince of Peace this Christmas.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer of Praise and Worship
Dear God,
We humbly come before You to give You just a portion of the praise and worship You deserve. Were we to praise You for a thousand years, even then, it would fall short of what You are due.
As the angels sang when Christ was born, we lift our voices to You, rejoicing in the birth of our Savior. As the wise men sought Jesus, we thank You for providing the Lamb of God.
May our praise and worship glorify You.
In the name of our precious Christ Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Dear Lord God,
As we reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we remember the reason He came to us: to pay the price for our sins.
We ask Your forgiveness for our sins. Whether it is the first time ever turning to You to cover our sins, or the first time today, we ask that You would turn our heart from sin and help us to change.
We don’t want to live a life separate from You. Incline our hearts to You, dear Lord. Thank You for Your generous and unconditional love for us.
May we follow Your example of forgiveness and reconciliation and be at peace with others this Christmas.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Prayer for Love and Compassion
Dear Lord,
Many of us come before You this season with difficult circumstances, schedules, or relationships. We want to glorify You but struggle as we face these challenges.
May we receive the great love You offer us and reflect You to others. May we show others compassion as You have compassion on us.
In this season of giving, may we give love and compassion generously.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Closing Prayer for Christmas Eve Service
Almighty God,
Thank You for this beautiful evening, as we come together to celebrate the good news of great joy that has been given to all people. A Savior has been given to us, and He is Christ the Lord!
May we carry this great message of hope and love to others as we go out from here. Guide us as we continue to celebrate the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ.
In the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.
Simple Prayer for Christmas Eve
Note: These shorter prayers can be used where you might find them appropriate, whether you are including them in a blessing for a Christmas dinner, a holiday party, or a quick prayer during Advent family devotions.
Dear Lord, Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ at Christmas. As we prepare to celebrate His birth, may we honor You in what we do. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
O God, We celebrate Your gift to us this Christmas Eve. May we keep our eyes on You and the true meaning of the season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. May we celebrate Christmas Eve with the hope and joy that You have given to us. In Your Name, Amen.
Printable Christmas Eve Prayers for Church Service Download
If you are finding this at the last minute and need to a printable version of this article without the ads, click here: Christmas Eve Prayers for Church Service
It also includes links to other helpful Christmas posts on this site, like:
Christmas Welcome Speech for Church
Free Printable Christmas Games for Church
Christmas Trivia Printable Quiz
Prayer Points for Prayer Meetings has a link to a free printable prayer points sheet, God’s Gift to Us at Christmas.
We hope these prayers and other Christmas worship resources have been helpful for you! May you be blessed as you prepare for Christmas Eve.