This poem/prayer was written to tie-in with the London School of Theology Christmas Concert 2014, where the theme was 'Voices of Christmas'. We used it around the Geradline and Carey Luce song 'When I Call' (available here from their website), but you could have it stand alone, or be woven in to another relevant song. It could be adapted to fit your context and what is going on in the news at that time.
God, you hear the calls,
the cries,
the voices raised,
the silent whispered prayers.
Israel, in her exile, crying out for a messiah.
Elizabeth, in her barrenness, calling out for a son.
Shepherds, in their poverty, praying for a saviour.
Mary, in her innocence, searching for a safe place to give birth.
And still today the voices cry out.
In Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan,
in China, in Ferguson, [or adapt for regions currently relevant]
and here in the UK [or change to your country].
The homeless, in their vulnerability, asking for a welcome.
The rich, in their emptiness, longing for acceptance.
The lonely, in their busyness, crying for community.
The families, in their arguments, praying for peace.
God, you hear the calls,
the cries,
the voices raised,
the silent whispered prayers.
Hear our prayers today,
and help us, where we can, to be the answer to someone else's prayer.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.