Our prayers examine scripture and support our response in a prayerful and reflective way. Matilda leads Evening and Morning Prayer this Christmas Eve, praying for Afghanistan whose people face the bleakest of winters by reading a prayer from Tearfund.*

As this evening draws to its end and we wait for the birth of Jesus, Matilda contemplates the future of our world, asking for the light of Christ to reach the corners of our hearts and minds. Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honour everyone; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and may the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always, Amen.

*Tearfund is a Christian charity which partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries. www.tearfund.org/campaigns/afghanistan-emergency-appeal