Sunday Afternoon Prayer: To the Light of the World

This morning, I offered the intercessory prayer on behalf of our congregation.  The sermon text was Matthew 5:14-16 so I made heavy use of light imagery from the Bible.  I have changed proper names to protect their privacy.

Jesus, light of the world:

When we look around our world, the darkness often seems overwhelming.  But we know that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. 

Jesus, shine your light into the darkness of the Middle East.  May your light shine instead of rockets in Israel and Palestine.  May your light shine in the midst of conflict in Syria.  Protect Christians living in those places, and give them courage to be your light in the darkness.

Lord, shine your light into the dark places in our lives.  We think of those in the dark place of grief.  We remember L&H and H&F as they grieve recent losses.  We remember the many members of our community that face a new phase of grieving this week as the holiday season starts.  Surround them with your love.  Remind them that the darkness has not overcome your light.

And we ask that you will comfort the members of our community who are facing health problems, especially B.  Give wisdom to the doctors and peace to their family members.

Jesus, who is the light of the world, you have also said that we are the light of the world.  We pray for T. as he lets his light shine in the prison.  And we pray for his family, that they would see your light in him and in others you have put in their lives.

The Christian Reformed Church has designated today as Chaplain’s Sunday.  Today we bring our chaplains to you as they let their lights shine in the shadows of hospitals, nursing homes, military units, and workplaces.

We praise you for the ways that you have helped us to let our light shine through our English as a Second Language programs.  Continue to help our tutors to let their lights shine to their students, that they would give glory to you.

Help all of us to let our light shine in our homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces.  May many see our good deeds and join us in giving glory to you.

We pray all of this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Photo by Kalyan Kanuri, http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalyan/163744627/, November 17, 2012.

Used under a Creative Commons License.