“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” 1 John 1:5-7 ESV
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”“ John 8:12 NKJV
God of light,
In the past, historians tell us, people worshipped the sun and the moon. But You know that God You were there! Aligning great stones with the power of the sun at certain times of the year. Could they have imagined the sun was just one small one of countless others! People still worship the stars or science or knowledge. But we believe You are the source. You first created our light. In all its awesome magnitude, power and speed! The sun witnesses that You are the source of all light. For since the creation of the world Your invisible qualities, eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen in creation(Romans 1:20).
I wonder that some of us see it so clearly and others deny it completely. Well, Jeremiah knew this problem too, he said, ” O foolish people, without understanding, who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not,” (Jeremiah 5:21).
This is as good a day as any to take the opportunity to thank You for light which makes us feel good and is helpful both inside and out, in the literal sense. A room light, a night light, a torch a reading light. But we worship You our inner light Your Spirit within us. Chasing away fear, bringing the warm of Your love, highlighting verses of Scripture and lighting our way forward. Thank You that You illuminate the whole of our lives for good.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of light,
For our family and friends and neighbours. For Your light to help, heal, lead and lift their spirits.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. May their be no darkness Send Your light.
For the royal family. Thanksgiving and continued healing and help.
For our nation and Government, light the way now and ahead. Open eyes to discern the best.
Ukraine, show Your power for peace and disassemble this war.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Pause, a time to talk, a time to not throw stones, talk peace.
Light the way ahead for our NHS, emergency services and social services.
For Bible translators, light of understanding of dialects and languages.
For our schools and those who help children diagnosed with learning disabilities.
For our mental heath service. Those who work with those whose needs are complex.
For our needs today and this week. Thank you for light mornings and lighter evenings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 27th May 2024
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, Let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days
So highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to the earth you created
All for love’s sake became poor
Cborus
I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
Chorus
Lyrics: Tim Hughes