This form of prayer is for use at times of the year when we feel daylight is short and nighttime is long. It is most suitable for late Autumn and Winter especially in Kingdomtide and even an alternate service in Advent.
As we start, a candle or candles may be lit or carried into the worship space.
In your word, O Light of the World, we live, move and have our being.
As you have lightened our darkness in the past,we ask, Everliving God, for your awakening within:
leading us from delusion to truth, and into your righteous way.
Lead us, Source of all Being, Father and Mother to us:
From darkness to light and into your gracious will.
Lead us, Christ, our Friend and our Brother;
From death to eternal life and into your infinite joy;
Lead us, Divine Spirit, empowering Life within
for we seek your enabling touch.
[Based on a prayer from the Church of South India]
Reader: The true light that lightens all has come into the world,
In your light may we see light.
Psalm[s] and reading[s].At the end of the reading[s]:
Your word O Lord, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Sustain us according to your promise and we shall live.
There may be a time of quiet and/or shared reflection. A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used. At the end of the refliction time, we say together
A Canticle of Salvation
The peple walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy.
The people have rejoiced before You
as they rejoice at harvest time
For You have shattered their burdensome yoke
and the rod on their shoulders,the staff of their oppressor,
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
He will be named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it with justice
and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.
[Excerpted from Isaiah 9.2-7]
O Lord, open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Blessèd are you, Sovereign God , judge of all, we give you praise and honour for the brightness of your kingdom lightens the darkness of this passing age and you show us the light of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ,
Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name
praise and thanksgiving, silent or aloud.
You desire the Light of Christ to illumine everyone. May your light shine on all for whom we pray and chase the shadows from the situations we are concerned about.
… We bring our concerns for people or events to God, silently or aloud.
…
Your will be done:
Lighten our darkness.
Into the coldness of selfishness and greed bring the warmth of your loving generosity. Your will be done:
Lighten our darkness.
In times of frustration and lack of growth or development, bring the hope of springtime and redemption. Your will be done:
Lighten our darkness.
As we seek to walk in Light, you promise to give what we need….
… sharing of needs, silently or aloud….
Seeking first your righteousness
All things shall be added.
Jesus says, “I am the light of the world, whoever comes to me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
And yet our thoughts, words or deeds have sometimes revealed darkness
We pause to recognise what of our life needs to change in the light of God in Christ
When the shadows we have cast have hidden the light for others,
Father forgive.
We offer the light of forgiveness for the shadows others have cast on our lives.
Father forgive.
You are the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Your word is a lantern to our feet
and a light upon our paths.
Let’s call to mind all that today may bring; the anticipated and the surprising. The pleasant and the painful.
… We reflect on the coming day…
When we are tested by temptation
strengthen us.
When our commitment to your Love is put to trial,
save us.
When evil ensnares,
free us.
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
now and forever. Amen
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Book of Our Common Prayer 