Let there be Light – a series of short reflections – Two
Introduction to Day Two
The video below is 7:30 long and follows the written material below it. There is a section of quiet between 2:36 and 3:25. If you need longer please pause the video and start it again when you are ready. Otherwise just let it run.
You can just listen to the sound of the video or watch the various words, images and videos, which have been added to support the prayers and thoughts, as you listen.
Let us start with a prayer together.
Lord of light we come to spend time in your presence. We set aside the worries and concerns of our lives and clear our minds so that we may leave space for your words to touch us. We offer you this time of worship and prayer and ask for your blessing upon it. May your light shine in our hearts and lives. Let it spill out from us to light the world and the people around us. We offer you this time in Jesus name. Amen
Day Two – “The fragile light”
We use the image of a candle
As we think about the strength and warmth of light we remember that it can be a fragile thing. Vulnerable to the elements of the world.
Perhaps particularly now as we struggle with the impact of the Coronavirus on our lives we do feel battered and blown around by the storm. However, now and perhaps even more so now but also at all times, God calls each one of us to look for opportunities to be a light to those struggling around us.
We are also ever thankful for those who bring light into our own lives.
We remember that Jesus calls us to shine and assures us that we will be able to provide a light to the world.
Read Matthew 5 v 14 – 16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)
Let’s spend some time in quiet as we reflect on our calling to be a light to the world.
A time of silent prayer
God of light as we think of a candle flame dancing in the movement of the air around it. We remember that you said to the disciples and say to us now – “You are a light to the world”. We ask that you will set us alight with the flame of your Holy Spirit. Enable us to shine with your love for the world you created. Amen.
Prayer
Lord we are like candles
Fragile flames shining in the world
Our light flickers with every breath of wind
We are vulnerable to every passing disturbance
And yet our light breaks apart the darkness
Lord we are like candles
Though the winds of the world blow upon us
We are held safe, protected, sheltered by your hands
Our flame may gutter but is never extinguished
For we are your lights in the world
Lord we are like candles
We burn and are consumed by you
Our light touches others and brings your fire to them
We are carriers of your light in the world
And our light still shines brightly
Lord we are like candles
Things of beauty things of value
Our light is pleasing to you
We are guardians of your Holy flame
Our light shines O so brightly
Lord we thank you for those who have shone for us
Bringing comfort and peace to us in moments of despair
Bringing hope into times when there seemed only darkness
Shining so that we could see our way back to the light
Shining to reveal your glory to us
Lord we pray for your presence with us today
So that your light will shine brightly from us
May we light the lives of those who are in dark places
May we light the path for those who are seeking you
Let us be a light shining in your service every day. Amen
We share a few more moments in silence before we close with a blessing.
Blessing
May the blessing of God rest upon each one of us.
The light of God shine in every part of our lives.
The light of God which should not and can not be hidden.
May the blessing of God, call to us.
Let the light shine and in this light, your light, my light the world will see the glory of God.
Amen
Copyrights
The videos and images are sourced from Pixabay.com and are licensed for commercial use.
The music is licensed as non-commercial attribution and is from the Album The Healing by Sergey Cheremisinov sourced from the Free Music Archive.
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Sergey_Cheremisinov/The_Healing
The first track is “Northern Lullaby”, the second “Gray Drops” and the third “Far Out There”.
All words are by Chris.
