A carol service, and especially the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, traditionally begins with a bidding prayer: the minister invites the congregation to pray for the world and for those in need before the readings begin. Below you will find an original bidding prayer for a carol service you can use or adapt, intercessions for the middle of the service, short versions for school and community carol services, and a closing prayer.
A bidding prayer for a carol service
To be read by the minister at the start of the service, after the first carol.
Friends, we have gathered in the darkest weeks of the year to keep watch for the light that has come into the world. Tonight we will listen to the prophets who longed for a Saviour and to the Gospels that tell how he was born among us, and we will answer with carols old and new.
As we listen and sing, let us carry with us the people and places that most need God’s peace: countries at war and families divided; neighbours who are struggling to pay their bills; those spending Christmas in hospital, in prison, in a shelter or far from home; and everyone who finds this season hard.
Let us give thanks for this parish and this community, for all who have prepared tonight’s music and readings, and for every kindness we have received this year.
And let us hold in our hearts those we love who have died, trusting that they are safe in God’s keeping.
Gathering all these prayers into one, let us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father…
Intercessions for a carol service
Leader: As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, let us pray to the Father.
- For the Church throughout the world: that it may proclaim the joy of Christmas in word and in deed. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- For peace in the Holy Land, where Jesus was born, and in every place of war: that the song of the angels may be heard again. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- For families gathering this Christmas, and for those who will be alone, unwell or far from home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- For the homeless, refugees and all who have no room: that they may find welcome. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- For our choir, musicians and all who lead our worship: that their music may lift our hearts to God. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- For those who have died, especially those we miss this Christmas. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Short bidding prayers for a school carol service
- Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. Help us to make room for him in our hearts. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
- We pray for our school, our teachers and our families this Christmas. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
- We pray for children who are poor, sick or frightened this Christmas. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
- Help us to be kind and generous, like the shepherds and the wise men who brought their gifts. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Closing prayer
God of light and peace, you have shown us your love in the birth of your Son. As we leave this place, may the joy of the angels, the wonder of the shepherds and the worship of the wise men be ours this Christmas and always. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The order of a Nine Lessons and Carols service
The nine lessons trace the story of salvation:
- Genesis 3:8–15, 17–19: the fall and the first promise.
- Genesis 22:15–18: the promise to Abraham.
- Isaiah 9:2, 6–7: the people who walked in darkness.
- Isaiah 11:1–3a, 4a, 6–9: the shoot from the stump of Jesse.
- Luke 1:26–35, 38: the angel Gabriel and Mary.
- Luke 2:1, 3–7: the birth of Jesus.
- Luke 2:8–16: the shepherds.
- Matthew 2:1–12: the wise men.
- John 1:1–14: the Word made flesh.
Readers are often chosen from different parts of the community, from the youngest chorister to the minister.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the famous King’s College bidding prayer?
The bidding prayer used at King’s College, Cambridge, was written by Eric Milner-White in 1918 and is still protected by copyright in the United Kingdom, so check with your church or publisher before printing it. The bidding prayer above is an original text written for this page.
Who reads the bidding prayer?
Usually the minister or chaplain, after the opening carol.