A simple Christmas carol prayer found within my favorite Christmas carols feeds my spirit this Advent Season. The joyful noise of Christmas music has filled the air for several weeks now. Whenever I hear one, I pause for a moment to say a Christmas carol prayer. Do you pay attention to the words of carols written long ago? They often contain prayerful stanzas.
The next time you hear a Christmas carol, listen for a phrase or a stanza that touches you heart and lift it in prayer as you listen. Take this verse of “Away in the Manger” as a prayer today…
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
attributed to Charles H. Gabriel (1892)
Listen to this beautiful instrumental version of Away in a Manger played by Rick Betts. It leads you through a contemplative prayer as you follow the lyrics. The music was written by James R. Murray (1887).
How easy is it to get caught up in the hustle and noise of this season. As we shop, cook or decorate we can be so focused on the task that we forget to be prayerful. Often the birth of our Savior is pushed aside until Christmas Day when families attend services for an hour or so. We may even set up a manger scene, but forget to pause when we pass to remember and give a prayer of thanksgiving.
I look for moments in my day to offer up as a prayer. While I do household chores, I treat them as little sacraments. I feel that I am blessing my home and my life. I do my best to stay present and enjoy each minute on purpose.
So during this Advent season, I hope you will take a few minutes to offer up a prayer when you hear a Christmas carol. When the familiar music sounds in your ear, smile and remember this post! 🙂 Peace and love to you!
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