A Christmas Prayer from the Porch

Written By Sherian McCoy

Father God,

As Christmas draws near, we come to You needing a little quiet, a little warmth, and a place to sit for just a moment. In the middle of the noise, the memories, the expectations, and the ache that can surface this time of year, we pause on the porch with You.

Thank You for meeting us here.

Lord, You know this season is tender for many hearts. Some of us are missing someone at the table. Some of us are smiling for photos while quietly grieving who is not there. Some of us are carrying stories we never imagined we would be living. You see every empty chair, every silent phone, every prayer whispered when no one else is listening. Please hold these hearts close tonight.

We ask for Your gentle comfort, not the kind that rushes grief away, but the kind that sits with us in it. Remind us that sorrow and joy are not enemies. That grief does not disqualify joy, and joy does not betray love. Just as Your Word says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10, ESV). Let Your joy rise in us quietly, steadily, like a warm light that does not flicker when the night feels long.

Father, help us on the hard days to notice what is still here. Faithful friends. Family who remain. Laughter that surprises us. Memories that still carry sweetness. Teach us to receive joy without guilt and to grieve without shame. Let the joy You give strengthen us from the inside out.

Thank You for the work You do in seasons of waiting. Thank You for prayers that feel unanswered but are never unheard. Thank You for porch lights left on in faith, even when we cannot see the road ahead. Thank You for reminding us that You are always the Father who watches, waits, and runs to meet Your children.

For those walking this road slowly, bravely, or barely at all—give grace for each step. For those who feel weary, remind them they are not alone. For those who need rest, invite them to sit awhile with You.

We place this season, these hearts, and these stories in Your hands. Keep the light burning. Keep hope alive. And meet us right here, just as You always do.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Sherian McCoy

Hi, I’m Sherian Kaneaster-McCoy—storyteller, porch-sitter, ministry founder, wife, mother, grandmother, and follower of Jesus.

I’ve spent the last two decades walking with women through the hard things—grief, chronic illness, prodigal children, burnout, and healing. I serve as a practitioner in Dr. Tracey Stroup’s Eat, Pray, Faith telehealth practice, where I support clients needing help physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. I’m also honored to serve as Dean of Education at the Academy of Abiding Wellness, equipping others to walk in biblical wisdom and holistic health.

Alongside this work, The Father’s Porch has become a sacred space where I pour out the stories God has written on my heart.

This ministry was born from my own journey as a parent of a prodigal and a lifelong porch-praying woman. It’s a space for the weary—a resting place for those still waiting, still hoping, still praying. Through devotional writing, prayer, and gentle truth, I help others find God in the middle of the story, not just at the end.

Whether I’m telling stories from Scripture or sharing pieces of my own life, I believe in the power of honest words and porchlight hope. The porch is open. The light is on. There’s always a seat for you.

https://www.thefathersporch.com/
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Winter Porch Prayer: When Hope Feels Frozen