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365 Days of Prayer: December 29 to January 4, 2026

12/28/2025

 
​December 29, 2025
As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they are scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. (Ezekiel 34:12)
Comforting God, today is Tick Tock Day where we work through our to-do lists and finish any odd jobs we can, so we can leave them behind in 2025 and move into 2026 with a clean-ish slate. God, may we focus on the tasks that are meaningful and life-giving. May we cross off things that aren’t necessary. And for many of us, we need help in this area, remind us to delegate or ask for help to get it all done. We can create memories together in conquering the tasks. God be with us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 30, 2025
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)
Challenging God, we learn of “Festival of Enormous Changes at the Last Minute Day” where we pull up our pants and make the decision to take action on something we’ve been putting off for quite a while. God, I know many who have been putting off doctor appointments and pray that this is the action they take. For those who hesitate on other things, give them courage and strength to get them done. And God, may we be pleasantly surprised by what happens when we start taking action. Be with us, especially in courage. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 31, 2025
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
God of endings, we say goodbye to 2025 today. Help us to make note of all the good things that came our way. May we note the harder things and celebrate that we got through them. Today, we also remember all those who have passed this year and honour their lives and love among us. Be with us as we ring in the New Year, and God, give courage to friends who need to take keys away from us when we shouldn’t be driving. May we all get home safe and cherish all the days we have together as we move into 2026. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
January 1, 2026
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”(Revelation 21:5)
Happy New Year God! Thank you for the gift of breath as we start 2026. Grant us permission to rest and/or organize, clean, create goals, or spend time with those we treasure. I pray that everyone feels blessed in the year ahead and that health and joy are all ours. May we be faithful and true to you, O God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
January 2, 2026
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)
God of motivation and inspiration, be in us today. Some are back to work trying to get through the day. Some get an extra day to rest up or conquer tasks. Some are preparing to get back to school. For all of us, give us a kick in the butt if we need motivation to get something done. Infuse us with creativity to try or build something new. God, you know what we’re capable of and I pray we see it too. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
January 3, 2026
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Psalm 33:3)
Encouraging God, on Saturdays we pray for families: their strong bonds, their methods of child-raising, and the love within. I pray that those who need a hug, get a hug instead of a lecture. I pray those in pain find healing in the arms or ears in a loved one. And that siblings can find a way to be together without Wrestlemania ensuing. Grant our littles time to be children, and our adults the direction they need in all they are entrusted with.  God, be with us all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
January 4, 2026
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:9-10)
Living God, today is National CanDo Day where we are called to action. Guide us in seeking places to volunteer time where we can make a difference with our skills and passions. Light the path we need to do what we need to get done, inspiring and motivating us through until it’s done. And where we have something really big in mind, grant us an audience that may grow into a team to make change a reality. We need your heart, courage, and love, O God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

365 Days of Prayer: December 22 - 28, 2025

12/12/2025

 
December 22, 2025
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (Luke 2:15-16)
Loving God, we give you thanks for your love for each of us. Help us to be mindful that you love all you’ve created. Today, we pray that our family who have suffered through Residential School Systems know that they have our love and support. The more we learn about the real history, the more our hearts break and ache. May we be intentional in our encounters, in our learning, and in our support, knowing that we are better when we grow and learn together.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 23, 2025
When the Maji saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11)
Loving God, if we are persistent in our prayers, will you help us to change the world? Today we think of those who live on limited resources and cannot live on a regular budget because expenses exceed income all the time. Help us to be allies and advocates for changes in social systems. Help us to learn and understand all that is involved. Help us to see better on how to be community today and into the future. Guide us, O Light of the World, to offer the best of ourselves to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 24, 2025
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. (John 1:9-10)
Loving God, on this Christmas Eve, we pray for our own Christmas Miracles. We pray with hope that relationships can heal. We pray with faith that systems can change. We pray with joy that your light is shared. We pray with love that everyone has what they need. God, be with refugees all over the world. Be with the lost and the lonely. Be with the ill and the dying. Be with those who worry and who fear. May we seek and find the star, the light, that draws us to your infinite love.  O Holy Child, dwell in us this night and forever. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 25, 2025
“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)
Loving God, Happy Birthday to Jesus. We give thanks for his arrival among us and the hope, peace, joy, and love he brings into the world. May we be grateful today for all that we have. May we think of others and the needs of those around us. May we work together to strengthen our community bonds, community supports, and systems. Today, be with us as we celebrate Christmas. May we find your love wherever we are. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 26, 2025
“After the Magi had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” (Matthew 2:9-10)
God of Light, we thank you for signs of life among us. We pray that our world can experience signs of hope, peace, joy, and love.  We also pray that we can be a sign each day. Help us to find rest, to be kind, and to find goodness when everything around us seems chaotic, rude, or evil. May we grab hold of your love so it can sustain us in all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 27, 2025
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you.” (Matthew 2:13)
God of Light, as we live beyond the birth of Christ, help us to pay attention to those in harm’s way. Help us to see who needs healing and hope. Bring to us bold hearts and minds to change behaviours and patterns in our world that cause more angst than good. We pray for change in our world so that no one is in need of the basics in life. Beyond that, may we be the kind of people who care about each other, even if we disagree at times. God, be with us. In Jesus’  name we pray. Amen.
 
December 28, 2025
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all humankind.” (John 1:1-4)
God of Light, today our church family takes a break from in-person worship to spend time with family and friends. We pray that everyone is getting a little rest and that they are enjoying time with loved ones. Be in us today and all the days of our lives, that we can easily find and share your light. Help us to be with others, no matter the circumstances, giving us the words they may be longing to hear. God thank you for creating us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

365 Days of Prayer: December 15 - 21, 2025

12/9/2025

 
​December 15, 2025
And Zechariah prophesied: And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79)
Joy-filled God, as we near Christmas and think of all who are struggling, fill them with a sense of joy, especially in hard times. We think of our Indigenous brothers and sisters who are up against many barriers, and all who are recipients of hate-crimes and racism. May they find joy in a smile and in an acceptance, after a soft encounter within our world. May we be that kind soul who brings your light into dark corners. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 16, 2025
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3-5)
Creating God, bring joy to all this season. We think of those who live with daily hard choices between paying rent, food, medicine, gas, or even Christmas.  We pray that help and relief come their way. Move in our hearts and in our systems so lives may be transformed and folks can live without feeling like they’re in survival mode every day. Level our rough places and make room for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
December 17, 2025
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (Matthew 3:1-3)
God of all, as we pray for joy this week, we think of those who have strained relationships. We pray that even in the disconnections that may exist, that joy can be found, either individually or together. Help us learn to live with each other in harmony, even if it's not perfect, even if it's not together. Help us, O God, to always turn toward your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
 
December 18, 2025
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1, 3-5)
In this week of joy, we pray for friends living with addiction, in recovery, or feeling vulnerable. God, may they see a glimmer of hope and find new ways to face each day. May joy come through new interests, supportive people, and fresh beginnings. Help us stay present and listen so no one feels alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
December 19, 2025
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:6-7)
Comforting God, we pray for all who live with chronic illness or disease and pray that they can have a break in their cycles of pain or treatment to experience joy this season. May we be present and share a memory with them, a laugh, or even a moment of calm. Help us to be good ears and solid shoulders should they need to share their struggles. God, may we provide a source of joy for all. God of wonder, enter the humble spaces of our lives and make them holy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 20, 2025
But the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
Creating God, we pray for children and families and that they’re finding joy amid the busyness of the season. With only a few days to go, we pray that they find balance in the chaos. May our families know they are loved and that they can find joy in the community
we have here. May we always be a source of hope, peace, joy, and connection for any who are looking for it. Let your joy find us wherever we are. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 21, 2025
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)
Loving God, we are just a few days away to the birth of Christ, renewing hope, peace, joy, and love in all the earth. Help us to prepare our hearts, to open our minds, and to use your eyes to see the world as you imagine it to be. Help us to be co-creators of that vision. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

365 Days of Prayer: December 8 - 14, 2025

12/7/2025

 
​December 8, 2025
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (Luke 1:30)
Creating God, as we pray for peace this week, we hold in our hearts those who lived in Residential Schools. We pray for Truth and Reconciliation, for healing for those who were harmed, and for justice that leads to lasting peace. Shape our hearts, language, and learning as we seek faithful and peaceful ways forward. O God, interrupt our ordinary days with holy wonder. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 9, 2025
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)
Peace-Giving God, today we think of our friends who live without adequate supports within ODSP and Ontario Works programs. Help us to be allies, advocating for changes to the system and to the funding so that they can stop fighting to survive, and can focus on living with peace in their souls. The struggles can overtake the mind and the body, and God, we long for everyone to know what peace is. Teach us Mary’s courage – to say yes when we cannot see the way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 10, 2025
But after Joseph had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt 1:20-21)
Creating God, help us to find and make peace in our strained relationships. Create in us hearts that are open to changing, open to learning, and open to accepting. We may find peace in just accepting things will never change. We may find peace in apologizing. We may find peace in other ways. Guide us into a way so worry dissipates from our minds and we can focus on things that can make a difference in or world. In our confusion, speak peace. Help us trust your greater plan. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 11, 2025
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:24-25)
Loving God, we pray for peace for those living with addiction, for those in recovery, and for those who are vulnerable. Grant them a deep and healing peace, and bring comfort to their families as they walk alongside them. Bless all who offer care and support, and guide them toward hope and new paths. Help us help one another find strength, peace, and connection. Stay near, O God with us, and warm our waiting hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 12, 2025
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! (Luke 1:41-42)
Creating God, we pray for peace for all who live with chronic pain, illness, or disease. We pray that they find comfort in your love. May they find peace in whatever outcome is theirs, in knowing they are not alone, and in the quiet of their souls. Where there is no cure, may peace be found in some way – support, prayer, or in the hope of advances in research. God, help us to be bearers of your peace by offering an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. Bless our believing, Lord, and fill our days with joyful expectation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 13, 2025
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. (Luke 1:46-49)
Creating God, we pray for children and families, asking for peace within their homes. Be near where little ones make peace hard to find, and give us strength to support one another. Grant patience and presence to families with teenagers, and surround those who are
separating with care and peace. Let our lives sing your praise, for you lift up the lowly and fill the hungry. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 
December 14, 2025
When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” (Luke 1: 57, 59-60)
Creating God, we begin the third week of Advent: Joy. It’s my most favourite week as we focus on finding some joy in our lives, even in the darkness, the storm, and the strife. Help us to catch a glimmer of your light so we can see a little joy in the hardships. Your promises are born in surprising ways, Lord. Help us notice your gifts. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

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We hope to see you soon!
High Country United Church is located at 346255 15 Sideroad in Mono, Ontario.
(We're just a couple doors west of Hwy 10 on 15 Sideroad)

We are a hidden treasure and we recommend entering the church name or the address
of 1 Madill Drive in Mono into your GPS or app (it's across the street from us). 
*Some map apps will take you to a location that is not ours. 


Office Hours

Tues: 9:30 - 1:00
Wed:  9:30 - 1:00
​Fri:     9:30 - 1:00

Telephone

519-941-0972

Email

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https://www.highcountryunited.ca/donate.html