Giver of Light Prayer

All praise to you, God, the giver of light!
We give thanks for the sun, whose rays give life,
and the moon that illuminates our darkest nights.
Praise for fire, the flickering flames of candles and lamps.
We give thanks for electric light
that twinkles around the world, shining into space.
Thank you for starlight that travels light years
and for lasers which circle the globe in fibre optic cables.
You give us light, which is bright and serviceable and pure.
We cannot live without light.
Thank you most of all for Jesus Christ, the Light of the world,
who came to earth as a Light-bearer, the bright and Morning Star.
Forgive us for the times this past week
when we have turned away from the tasks set before us;
instead of loving people we criticize them,
instead of praising we find fault,
instead of giving, we hoard things for ourselves.
We choose to dwell in gloomy places that make us miserable,
Thank you for showing us how to right the wrongs we’ve done
and that you give us new opportunities.
Help us to be bearers of your light this week,
shining your care even in the face of callousness,
shining your hope when all around us despair,
shining your peace even in the face of hatred.
Thank you for the peacemakers in our city, our country,
who inspire us to live lives that make a difference.
Help us to be examples for the children in our lives,
so that they can see our kindness 
and learn more about your enduring light.
We pray for people we know who live with disabilities or chronic pain,
give them strength and courage.
We also remember all who live with mental illness,
and dis-ease of mind or spirit. Bring your light to all these.
You lighten our loads, and bear our burdens.
We trust in you, O God,
our Light and our Salvation.  Amen.