Several years ago, I wrote a Christmas prayer to help keep my heart where it needs to be. Each December I put it somewhere in my home where I’ll see it often – to remind me of what matters most. And each year, I share it here with you, my blog readers, in case you’d like to pray it, too.
The Manger of My Heart
This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Fill me with your presence from the very start.
As I prepare for the holidays and gifts to be given,
Remind me of the gift You gave when you sent Your Son from Heaven.
The first Christmas gift -the greatest gift ever,
You came as a baby born in a manger.
Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,
Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.
Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,
when He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
And angels announced, “Into your darkness, God brings His Light.”
“Do not be afraid,” they said, to shepherds in the field.
Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.
Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to your call.
Setting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.
Surround me with Your presence, Lord, I long to hear your voice.
Clear my mind of concerns and all the holiday noise.
Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.
In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.
This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.
Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.
Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence each day.
Keep me close to You, Lord. It’s in your wonderful Name I pray.
© 2012, Renee Swope
*******
Christmas Prayer PDFs (simply click on the words/links below):
Camilia Doro says
I read you A confident Heart book and it changed my life . I then introduced it to my women’s bible study group and we did an online book tal during the summer. It had a great impact on each one of us. We still bring it up often and quote parts of it frequently. I also joined the online bible study on this web sight. Thank u for what you and ur ministry is doing to change women s heart around the world. I am a Canadian and I wonder if ur tax receipts work here do you have a Canadian branch. Please let me know as I would like to support ur ministry by donating. May God continue to bless you as you bless us each and every day. I love ur. Christmas Prayer
Janet Daniel says
I would to download a copy of your prayer. It is beautiful. This is a lovely prayer.
I will frame it and put it out every Christmas time to remind me of the the most perfect Christmas Gift. I will share it with family and friends.
Thank you Renee!
Janine Crowe says
Hi, I donated to Proverbs 31 Ministries for the first time today. Thank you for all you do. I did this P31 online Bible study at the same time I was leading a women’s Bible study on the book of Romans, at my church. Participating in the A Confident Heart Bible Study gave me the confidence to lead the class I am teaching. I don’t know what I would have done without the encouragement of ACH. I also started using ice breaker questions like you do at Twitter parties and Facebook parties. This led to such great sharing in my class. I also read Tracie Miles’ devotional, “The Centerpiece” out loud to my class before Thanksgiving. It really touched a chord with the ladies of my class. I also liked your when/then statements, your am/fm thoughts and your turning away from/turning toward statements. In my class I came up with a saved from/saved to brainstorming exercise. There was good participation and we came up with great lists. I also started having door prizes which is a hit with the ladies. Thanks for the door prizes I won yesterday at the Twitter party. Merry Christmas. Take care. Janine
Janine Crowe says
p. s. Thanks for the beautiful prayer. I will keep it for myself and share it with others. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Beyond Tangy Tangerine says
slightly off topice but how long did it take you to make this blog, i have been wanting to make my won for awhile but i have never got around to it, do you think you could hit me up with en email with some advice or tips thanks.
Maya Scott-wooten says
Thank you for reminding me that I must remember that I am chosen. That God is there even in the darkest moments and he is the light that will shine. Thank you
Crystal H. says
Loved the poem! Thanks for sharing!
Myra Bankston says
I would also like a copy of this poem. I thought I entered my e-mail to receive it, but nothing has yet happened. Or maybe I haven’t given it enough time. Thanks!
Shawnda Embrey says
Thank you for sharing! Too often I find myself speaking to God when things are going bad or I’m struggling. I have been trying to work on getting time with The Lord to deepen my bond with Him. This poem and devotional have both helped remind me to keep God first. Printing this poem will be a physical reminder to stay in prayer. Thank you from a newbie in Christ.
Cecilia K says
What a great reminder for all of us that we need to reorganize our busy schedule and let Jesus come to our heart. Thank you for the great poem! It will be a great poem to share with my friends and family.
Elaine says
Thank you for the beautiful prayer. I would like to download a copy. And thank you for your daily words of encouragement. I look forward to reading your e-mails and I am so looking forward to your class in January. Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.
Wanda Warmus says
May I please have instructions on downloading your Christmas poem, “The Manger of My Heart”?
Thank you, I am hoping to share it with my MITI prayer group tomorrow morning.
Thanks and God bless you and the work He has established for your hands.
Merry Christmas!
MBR says
Loved the Christmas prayer… I am going to read it every day. After the last 3 days with the stomach virus in my house. I am appreciating the pause to Thank God for all of his GRACE. Merry Christmas.
Lois says
Thanks so much for your beautiful Christmas Prayer. I touched me in so many varied ways. I’m looking forward to giving it as a gift to my friends this Christmas. May God bless you and your ministry. Merry Christmas.
Michelle says
Touched my heart in many, many ways. Sharing this with my friends would be an extra gift from the heart. Thank you all for what you do! Merry Christmas and God Bless
Kathy Miller says
What a lovely poem, Can’t wait to share with my friends. Thanks.
Laura says
I’d love to have a printable version of the Manger of my heart poem. Very powerful and just the words I needed today.
God bless!
Sheila says
I am a stay at home of 20-year old triplets..We desperately need one more car..we have 3 cars for 5 drivers..So, guess who usually is left at home..Yes, It is me…I hope to at least get a tree and get some shopping done. Hopefully, we will all go to my brother’s Christmas Day which has been a ritual since my Mom passed Christmas Dec. 16, 1993..
I attempted 3 times to post a reply. Hopefully, you will get it.
“God’s word is filled with promises..to give us Hope!”..Emmanuel–God with us!
For young moms, Try to find a manger that has “Baby Jesus” separate..and take Him out until Christmas morning..I did this when my triplets were 2 or 3..I had to used the big manger that goes with outdoor Christmas displays of the nativity…I put it in front of our tree..I will never forget Sean’s joyful face when he picked up Baby Jesus Christmas morning..He was so excited!
I also shared this on my wall. Hopefully, I will be in your drawing. Merry Christmas!!!!
emily hill says
I need this prayer everyday 🙂
how do I receive the download?
Gayle Henrickson says
May I please receive the instructions to download a copy of the prayer: The Manager of My Heart
Clara says
Thank you for this beautiful prayer. I am sharing it with my Bible study sisters. We are on chapter 6 og A Confident Heart. Our group is living the study and growing from it. Thank you!