Live in the rhythm of the Church Year.

Introit

Psalm 8:1, 4–6 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Antiphon

Psalm 8:2 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Gradual

Psalm 106:47 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab); Isaiah 63:16b (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Verse

Psalm 145:21 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Source: LCMS One-Year Series Propers Chart (opens in a new tab). Citations only; no liturgical or Scripture text is reproduced.

Historical Collect — Sunday after Christmas

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, direct our actions according to Thy good pleasure, that in the Name of Thy beloved Son, we may be made to abound in good works; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book (Baltimore, 1893), Introits and Collects for the Church Year (opens in a new tab). Public-domain text (published 1893), transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of the Princeton Theological Seminary Library copy.

Prayers of the Church for January 4, 2026 — Responsive Form

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have restored Your divine image to mankind. In Holy Baptism, You give that image to us. Give us joy in our adoption as Your sons and daughters. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, bless the work of pastors and missionaries. Bring forth Your harvest from the seeds they sow. Support those who endure fiery trials for Your name. As they shine the light of the Gospel into hostile darkness, guard them with the sign of Your cross. Let them rejoice that in tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword, they share in Your very sufferings. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, You prepared a place for Your Son, Jesus, in the womb of the Virgin Mary and in the home of Mary and Joseph. Bless our homes and all who dwell in them, that Your Word would be heard and Your mercy be shown therein. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Lord, uphold Donald, our president; _____________, our governor; and all our leaders. Direct their work toward the common good of all people as found in God’s Law written on our hearts and in Your righteous decrees — especially to protect the unborn and those who cannot speak for themselves. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, You promise to be near to the brokenhearted and to save the crushed in spirit. Look with compassion on the sick and suffering [especially _____________]. Grant that they would cry out to You in their trouble and be delivered from their distress, according to Your will. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, give grace to all who approach Your holy altar today, that they would receive this sacramental mystery worthily, the New Testament of our divine Redeemer, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, grant us strength in times of trial and perseverance in grace during the day of trouble. Especially care for all who are persecuted for the sake of Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord God, heavenly Father, You allowed Your Son, Jesus Christ, to become a stranger and sojourner in Egypt for our sake and led Him safely home to His fatherland. Mercifully grant that we poor sinners, who are strangers and sojourners in this perilous world, may soon be called home to our true fatherland, the kingdom of heaven, where we shall live in eternal joy and glory; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — One-Year 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.