This morning, I will be leading prayer for the region (North Carolina Disciples of Christ) via conference call. I wanted to offer this prayer to each of you as well…I pray for our church and community that we may continue to seek God’s light in the darkness.
In the style of Lection divina (or Divine Reading), this morning I invite you to pray the scriptures along with me. In addition, if you have a candle nearby, take a moment and light it and place it next to you. Allow this candle to symbolize the light of God we are praying for this morning. The prayer will follow this pattern:
Read the scripture once and pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you. Read the scripture aloud if you are comfortable.
Allow a minute of silence to reflect on this word or phrase.
Read the scripture a second time and reflect on how God might be stirring in you through this scripture today.
Allow a minute of silence.
Read the scripture a third time. During this third reading and the silence that follows, reflect on how God is asking you and our region to act on this scripture.
Allow a minute of silence.
Let us pray.
Faithful God, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing unto you, O Lord our Rock and our Redeemer. You have been making Light out of darkness since the beginning of creation, we turn to you now. Speak to us as we pray your Holy Scripture this morning.
Help us to hear the word or phrase that will guide us now:
Isaiah recalled, The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined.
(pause for one minute)
Speak to us, O God, and point us to Your Holy light once again.
The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined.
(pause for one minute)
Stir us, Holy One, and move us to action in this world of darkness.
The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined.
(pause for one minute)
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Walk in the light, the beautiful light. Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.
May we be bring your light to this dark world. May we be your light in this region. And may our presence in this region, reach beyond our boundaries to bring light to those who are fighting the world’s injustice.
In the beginning of this new school season for many students we pray that they would carry your light within their hearts. From preschool to college and even post-graduate experiences, the first day of school can be full of fear and anxiety. Lord, shelter our students in your tender care.
Lord we have all faith that you remain in our schools in the hearts and through the faith of those who believe in you. May your love shine brightly through the lives, actions, passion, and direction of the teachers, administrators, counselors, bus drivers, office staff, volunteers, principals, and cafeteria workers. May they greet each student with your light, even on the darkest days.
At a candlelight service, the room begins very dark and still. And then one candle is lit. The light from that candle is then passed on to the next. The pattern continues until the room is full of light again. May all in our region feel the passion and feel ignited to share your light to the ones near them. And soon…our region, our church, our community, our schools will be filled with your light again.
The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined.
It is in your Holy Name that we offer this prayer from your Holy Word. Amen.
Tuesday, August 21st, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Campbell University Street Fair (Join your Pastors at our tent and Photo Booth as we greet & invite students)
Wednesday, August 22nd, 1:30 – 3:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Thursday, August 23rd, 1:00 – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at the Cellar for Drop in Coffee & Conversation
Friday, August 24, 9:00 pm – Movie Night at the Cellar: The Greatest Showman
Sunday, August 26th, 11:00 am – Worship – Faces of Our Faith: Lydia – Special Music by Margaret Yarick & Erin Barefoot
From last night’s Street Fair at Campbell University:
Pastor Joanie 
