Friday, January 17, 2025

Lord of Light, there is darkness all around us. It feels hopeless and we question why it matters. We look at our surroundings, instead of you. In the silence, we hear your gentle voice inviting us to allow the knowledge of our mortality to lead us to humility and not despair. In the dark night of the soul, you are here with us. Your ways are too marvelous for us to comprehend.

We gather with multitudes of believers in celebration. We are grateful for your obedience to your earthly mother–she, who pondered in her heart the many observances of your glory from times before you were born. She, who was near to God, knew your nature as fully God and fully human. Though human in your initial response to Mary, even still, your divine nature responded with love and obedience.

We feel challenged and pressed on all sides by the pressures and uncertainties of life. We enter your sacred prayer space and name each of our fears to you as you patiently and lovingly listen to us. Life-giving Spirit encircles us; she kisses and calms us. Your voice is the wind and thunder to us. You assure us we will be safe.

We gather together on the heights of Mount Zion and beside streams of water on your Sacred Path. You have brought us from all directions to be together in this land of our sojourn, in your sacred prayer space. We wept as we came. We wept for joy, relief, fear and grief. But you are wiping the tears from our eyes.

Give us understanding, so we will look with love upon others and celebrate with each other wherever we are on our journey with you. Bless us with overflowing kindness to ourselves and others, so we will greet each other in a good way.

Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.

Lectionary Readings for Today: Weekly Review
Psalm 148
Isaiah 54:1-13
Revelation 21:1-7