Very Rev Peter Dillon, Vicar General, prays the “Light of the World” prayer from the book “At The Name of Jesus” by Michael O’Neill McGrath and Richard N. Fragomeni. This prayer beautifully encapsulates our call to recognise Christ as the light that dispels darkness in our lives and the world. As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded of our mission to shine that light through acts of love and compassion, transforming the lives of those around us. Let us embrace this calling and share the light of Christ with all we encounter.
Transcript
In a year that’s been marked by uncertainty it’s comforting to remember that the season of Christmas offers us the guarantee of God’s love and support when we recall the birth of His Son. So we pray.
We adore you, O Christ. We bless you, O Incarnate Wonder. We acclaim you, O Light of the World. We gaze in love, like Mary. We stand in awe, like Joseph. We shine in joy, like a star. O Word-made-flesh, lead us. O Wonder of Humanity, liberate our desire. O Child of Bethlehem, give us new birth. Because, our journey is sometimes harsh, and our vision clouded, and our hearts are afraid. Our lives pass, our dreams float away, and our purpose is sometimes unsure. Our world seems shattered, and our future blurred, our destiny seems like darkness. But you bring hope, you give life, you bear in your small body the immense promise of God. Blind us with your radiance. And ravish us with your splendour. Touch us with your mercy. Pour upon us the treasures of your kingdom. And bathe us in the brilliance of your light. Bring us new birth in your likeness. Teach us to marvel in your words. To tune our voices to your glory. Make us magi of your epiphany. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy incarnation You have redeemed the world. Amen.
And so now you might make time to share with others a prayer of thanksgiving to the God of immense love.
*The prayer ‘Light of the World’ is used with permission from the book ‘At The Name of Jesus’ by Michael O’Neill McGrath and Richard N Fragomeni.*