Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We are walking in enveloping darkness right now. And the batteries in our puny flashlights are running out of juice. Depression, suicide, and and substance abuse are on the increase. What can we do? Though there are many legitimate and helpful pathways for us to take, we will not get far on any of them without Jesus’ light illuminating the way. This is a prayer for God to flood our darkness with his light.
Light of the world,
We are lost in dark days. Enemies emboldened by the dark attack from all sides. Fear darkens our eyes. Our way forward is haunted by shadows and danger. Indecision blocks our paths. Our eyes can find no hope. Forgive us for relying on our own weak and ineffective sources of light. We confess we’ve closed our eyes on your light as if it may bling us. But we are blind already. Flood our darkness with your light.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let your light shine. Banish the gloom. Open our eyes to see the flame of your love. Defeat the darkness in our world and our hearts. Draw us together in unity so our small twinkling lights may grow stronger. Give us grace and strength to follow you. Guide our steps. Illuminate our minds to choose mercy and justice and not blame and anger as we walk in your way.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy Spirit,
Fill us with your Spirit. In the same way light radiates into the surrounding wax from a blazing wick, ignite our lives with your love, truth, heat, and power that our words and actions might incite wonder and beauty in ourselves and others. That we might be elements of transformation in a troubled world. Flood our darkness. Shine that we might see your beauty and glory.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
More ideas for transformation and prayer. How to Do More than Just Pray to Change the World: A Maundy Thursday Reflection, How Does God’s Perfect Love Drive Out Your Deepest Fear?, Two Hopeful Truths about God Healing your Spiritual and Emotional Wounds
“Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer”,… yes, Lord,… in Jesus’ name, we pray and lift our hearts to you,… hear our prayers and supplications,… help us to turn away from the incessant worldly flow of “bad news”, and tune into your quiet “river of peace”,… help each and every one find healing and faith and trust and confidence in You,… we know that “You are Lord”, and we turn all our concerns over to You,… moment by moment, lead us into peace,… help us to find “your still, small voice”, in our hearts,… help us to know that you judge honestly and wisely, and that you are not fooled,… goodness will not be wasted or overcome by the misguided actions and foolishness of the world,… goodness endures forever,…
Amen!