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 old 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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God’s Spirit is with us:
the Lord whom we seek comes to the temple.
The true light that lightens all has come into the world,
Calling us to serve in the temple of God’s world.
As we hear the scriptures read,
transform us by the renewing of our minds,
to discern your will O God
-what is good, pleasing and mature. 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 is available.
Nourished in what the Holy Spirit reveals
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.
Among seekers of meaning and fullness of life, faithful God;
glorify your name.
In the work of those who bring good to exploited workers, the excluded, and the marginalised, faithful God,
glorify your name.
In the work of those who show mercy to refugees, the displaced and the traumatised. faithful God,
glorify your name.
In the work of those who sustain and guard the integrity of creation, faithful God;
glorify your name.
…other petitions may be made (suggestions here, here and here), 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. See Psalm 138:6-8
Master, now you send us forth in peace, according to your word;
for our eyes have seen your salvation.
Book of Our Common Prayer 