A Prayer for 2026

This year, perhaps more than any other, I find a need to recognize what time it is ... recognize where we are, how we got here, what role I've played, and what changes I can make to improve - even microscopically - our path ahead as an American republic. I no longer have any doubt that we aren't going to make the changes we need - left to our own devices - to save ourselves. We need divine guidance and intervention.

This piece represents my fervent prayer that we become deserving of that guidance and that intervention.

Christmas Prayer 2025

Heavenly Father,

On this holy night of Christmas 2025, we gather in the gentle memory of the manger, where Your Son, the Prince of Peace, once lay wrapped in swaddling clothes. We come with hearts full of wonder at Your boundless love, yet also heavy with the weight of a world that still waits for the fullness of that love to break through.

Lord Jesus, You who were born into a time of occupation and fear, look upon Your world tonight. You see the violence that stains city streets and distant lands alike; You hear the cries of those caught in war and terror. You know the strife that tears families apart and sets neighbor against neighbor. You behold the empty tables where hunger gnaws, the desperate faces of those crushed by poverty, and the children who go to sleep without shelter or hope.

Forgive us, merciful God. Forgive us for the hatred we have nurtured, the indifference we have shown, and the greed that has widened the chasm between rich and poor. Forgive us when our politics have become idols, when our religious differences have become weapons instead of bridges, and when we have forgotten that every human being bears Your image. We have failed to love as You have loved us; we have hoarded the gifts meant for sharing; we have silenced the voices You told us to hear.

In Your boundless mercy, pardon us, heal us, and change us.

Holy Spirit, Comforter and Guide, descend anew upon us this Christmas. Grant us the forgiveness that makes all things new. Open our eyes to see Christ in the stranger, the refugee, the hungry, and the hurting. Give us wisdom to choose reconciliation over division, generosity over selfishness, and courage to work for justice where injustice reigns. Teach us to build bridges instead of walls, to speak truth in love, and to labor together for the common good.

As we step from this Christmas into a new year, unite Your Church across every boundary of nation, language, and tradition. Bind Your people together in one song of hope. Pour out Your peace—the peace that passes understanding—upon cities in turmoil, upon nations in conflict, and upon hearts filled with bitterness. Let 2026 be a year when swords are beaten into plowshares, when the hungry are fed, when the poor hear good news, and when Your children walk hand in hand toward the day when every tear is wiped away.

We ask all this in the name of the Child who was born to save us, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

This is original work is produced by AK Darvinson with a combination of observation, critical thinking, insight, heart, compassion, passion, creativity, and technology. All rights are reserved. Free sharing is encouraged. Commercial use via license only.