A prayer that Christ be the Light of the World in our time

Creative and radiant God,
your strong and sure light
is never overcome by darkness.
May it be so in this our time.

Jesus Christ, the Light of the World,
in your mercy and grace
you surprisingly said to us,
“You are the light of the world.”
May it be so in this our time.

Spirit of light and love,
kindle in us fresh urgency
to love and serve the human family,
to be amazed by creation and to care for it well,
to pursue justice and offer mercy,
to rejoice in receiving and sharing grace.

In confidence and hope, we pray. Amen.

Hope Morgan Ward, UMC Council of Bishops