On 2 February, we celebrate the Presentation (of Christ at the Temple) aka Candlemas. This recalls when Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus at 40 days to be dedicated at the temple as told in Luke’s gospel. You might like to use the form of prayer for a few days or up to the start of Lent. Some people think of Candlemas as a kind of pivot-point: looking back to Christmas and forward to Holy Week and Easter.
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We bring ourselves here and present ourselves to God:
the Lord whom we seek comes to his temple.
The true light that lightens all has come into the world,
In your light may we see light,
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
As we hear the scriptures read, let us be transformed by the renewing of our minds, to discern the will of God -what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Rom 12:2
Psalm[s] and reading[s]. At the end of the reading[s]:
As we reflect
Holy Spirit, rest upon us.
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.
Nourished in what is revealed by the Holy Spirit
May we grow and became strong in faith,
filled with wisdom;
And with the favour of God upon us
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
A light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
English translation of the Nunc Dimittis, Luke 2:29-32, ELLC license
Glory to God in the highest:
and on earth -peace and goodwill.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
…expressions of of praise and thanks …
Our God in heaven, father and mother to us, Light of the nations, Fulfilment of the desires of the ages.
Hallowed be your name
In a world needing revelation to lighten our darkness,
faithful God,
glorify your name.
Among those who await consolation and redemption,
faithful God,
glorify your name.
In the search for meaning and fullness of life,
faithful God,
glorify your name.
Among those who bring good to workers, widows, and among those who show mercy to migrants.
faithful God,
glorify your name.
…other petitions may be made, each ending with
faithful God,
glorify your name.
The company of those who seek your face, O God, shall receive a blessing from you. [Cf Ps.24]
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
Into what will sustain our life in you, lead us.
Pause to recognise our needs
As you provide for us, sustain us and equip us to serve you,
faithful God,
glorify your name.
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.
Though we walk in the midst of trouble, O God;
you will preserve us.
You will stretch forth your hand against the fury of our enemies;
your right hand will save us.
Make good your purpose for us;
your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever
forsake not the work of your hands.
Make good your purpose for us.
[Ps.138:6-8]
Master, now you dismiss your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation.
Book of Our Common Prayer 