Sunday, January 6, 2013
Offered by Calum I. MacLeod, Executive Associate Pastor

The magi have completed their sojourn;
the promised child is recognized and worshiped;
the race that long in darkness pined have seen a glorious light;
the light is come and shines for us in this new year.
So we come before the throne of grace,
our hearts filled with prayer for a new year
that will bring your light into the dark places,
your healing into the broken places,
your love into the places where division and cynicism
crowd out the human ability for care and altruism.

May that holy light of hope and love shine
on the grieving community of Newtown, Connecticut,
seeking healing from the violence visited upon their children;
on the streets of Chicago,
wracked by the murders of our own young people;
on the people of India,
as their women cry out for protection and justice;
on the people of Pakistan,
fighting for the rights of education and health care;
on all who seek justice and peace for their communities.

May that holy light shine in our own context, our community of faith,
bringing a glimpse of hope to those who know the dark aspects of life;
who seek a job, better health,
a strong loving relationship, renewed meaning for their life.
May it bring peace to those close to death.

And for all may the light of the star,
symbolizing the light of Christ,
renew our commitment to be a gospel people,
living and working for a world in which goodness and truth,
justice, kindness, and humility are the guiding light
by which we live in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ,
whom to know is life abundant
and whom to serve is perfect freedom.

Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church