As the festive season approaches, why not consider creating your very own Christmas and New Year prayer book?
Whether it’s for your own personal prayers or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, follow the steps below to create a unique book that offers guidance, comfort and opportunities for spiritual reflection.
1. Choose your book of choice
Prayer books are treasured life-long items that can be customised in many wonderful ways. The first step in this DIY project is to choose a plain notebook or journal of your choice to act as a blank canvas. It can be lined or blank, choose whatever suits your style. You might want to be more creative and choose individual sheets of paper with different colours and textures and bind them later.
Families like Chance’s have lost everything to violence and displacement. Your gift could help them access food, safety and the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.
2. Pick a layout to suit your schedule
It’s important to lay out a design and structure that aligns with your day-to-day prayers, whether that be areas for weekly or monthly reflections, as well as areas for daily devotions. If you would rather not stick to times and schedules, perhaps consider themed areas, such as prayers for times of anxiety, verses for times of loss, or words of wisdom for joyful moments. Don’t forget to include clear titles, paragraphs and bullet points to make it easier to use and engage with.
Image credits and information
A mother’s strength amid hardship
When fighting broke out in her village, Chance fled with her baby in her arms. Now, in a temporary shelter, her children are hungry.
Like so many mothers around the world, Chance longs for stability, safety and the means to provide for her family. Though she's resourceful, she's running out of options – because of a situation that's heartbreakingly beyond her control.
Families like Chance’s can begin to rebuild, after losing everything, through the generosity of others like you.
3. Select your prayers and verses
4. Get creative and start customising
Now you can start decorating your prayer book. This might include adding colourful dividers and tabs, stickers, or pressed flowers. It’s your customised prayer book, so you might want to include photographs of loved ones next to certain prayers, print and paste pictures for inspiration, or include some drawings. You can even use calligraphy or engravings – the possibilities are endless.
Your generosity can help families like Chance’s overcome hardship. Every gift, prayer and act of compassion makes a difference.
