Pray
With those affected by natural disasters
With those who are in their own dark night of the soul
With those who see no hope or light
With those around the world weary and searching for hope throughout years of war and disease
With those who don’t see God’s promise of resurrection
With those trapped in old beliefs, which don’t allow them the joy of your light and love for all people
Prayers of Light
God of sunrises, in the midst of what feels like an eternal night of the soul, we praise you for you are the One who causes the sun to rise. When the disciples felt the despair of Holy Saturday, with Jesus inside the darkness of the tomb, you were there. And soon, the light of the new day would arise, and your triumph over death and despair would be brought into the light. Thank you for always being a light in the dark places of the world and the dark places of our lives. Our hope is in God, for you are the light of the world and you call us to be lights for others. May your light and love blaze in us and in all the world. Amen.
God, we find ourselves in a time of great sorrow. Give us the gift of tears that moves us beyond sadness into compassion. Inspire and empower us not only to cry about others but also to weep with them. Teach us to lament, so that we do more than regret our circumstances; we resolve to cooperate with you to change them. Make us instruments of your peace. Amen.
God, your light is the commencement and culmination of creation. From now until forever you are the light of life. You invite us to walk in your light and become lights to the world as we do so. Revive our hearts to sing, “This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine!” Amen.
Transforming God, whose light always penetrates the darkness and whose love always overcomes hate, we ask that you sustain us as we struggle to make your light visible in an angry and frightened world. Nurture us daily as we work for your justice in unjust places and your peace in places where no peace is to be found. Give us courage and strength when we are fearful and weak. Give us hope and forgiveness when we feel hopeless and angry. And guide us every step of the way as we walk toward the light. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Holy God, “when the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea,” yet you were there. Even amidst the darkness in the world now, I trust that again, you are there, preparing once more to intervene with your creative power. In some instances, I find it easier to call out the darkness that exists: when your beloved LGBTQ children are dismissed by your church; when I sheepishly neglect to stand up for my marginalized neighbor; when fear of the other seems to win the day. But I cannot always separate the light from the darkness in the world, for like at dawn and dusk, the powers and light and darkness often meet, mixing and mingling in systems, in structures, in my enemies, in myself. Grant me the humility to allow your light to shine through the cracks in my life. Shine through the broken places in our institutional church and in our world, so that all may be healed. In the name of Jesus, the true light of the world. Amen.