The Candlelight of Christ - January Prayer Column

At Christmas, candles symbolise the light that came 2,000 years ago to shine in our world of moral and spiritual darkness. It’s always hard to see in the dark, and Jesus’ perfect life shines out, giving us direction. But even though he died so long ago, he rose again from the grave and is alive for evermore. He can save us from darkness and show us how to live (and help us do so). And when we turn to his light he also forgives us for all darkness in ourselves, and gradually burns out of us our dark leanings. When we read the Bible and pray, and worship and work with other believers, he lights his candle within us – and the greater the darkness we encounter, the brighter his light shines.

I was about 22 before I began to realise that all this about Jesus was true, and ever since I have been aware of his light giving me insight, as if he is shining a beam into dark corners of my experience, or into things hard to understand or accept. And his inner candle work of cleansing goes on still.

But there’s one other dimension to the light Jesus gives: it’s a beacon of hope in an often bleak future. That would be good even if only for this world, but his light of hope goes on beyond the grave, into the next life. Because if we will trust him, he promises to take us to be with him for always, in an exciting life that goes on for ever, and where we shall never again grow old and stiff and ill and die. This will be in a world made new, free from all frustration but full of excitement and joy, living with Jesus, and with God as our Father. Pray for this hope to burn brighter ahead.

Roy LS

A prayer for each week

Light in my darkness, thank you for shining all around me, so now I see where once I floundered blindly. Please guide my steps in your way. Amen.

Light in my darkness thank you for shining within me, throwing your light into all my dark corners. Please help me know myself better in your light. Amen.

Light in my darkness thank you for burning out all those dark things in me that have no place in your light. Please help me open up to you more. Amen.

Light in my darkness thank you for shining ahead when I find the future frightening, piercing the gloom. Please help me step out confidently. Amen.

Your own prayers

Comments

Virtual Worship - 13 February 2022

Welcome to worship with the Bradford North Methodist Circuit this morning. This service will be shared this morning by Rev Nick Blundell and the members and friends at Bolton Methodist Church. Service Sheet (pdf) Call to worship We are blessed to be here today. We are blessed to be together today. We are blessed to be a family. We are blessed that God is with us. Let us enjoy God’s blessing as we worship today. Lord, thank you that we are blessed. Help us to recognise all that you have given to us. We pray that not only will we reflect on your blessings we will also seek to be a blessing to others, with your help and in your name. Amen. Hymn You might like to sing, or reflect on David J Evans’ hymn at Singing the Faith 20, Be still. for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here. Prayers Father, we worship and adore you for the light you bring to this dreary time of year, when we long for spring. Thank you for the blessing of every shoot and bud, the reminders of your...

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

Do you have a young baby? Looking for something to do? If the answer is yes then Soupermums is for you. We're here from 11 until 1 every Monday, Mums (and dads) have a rest and the babies can play. Have a lovely sit down whilst you sip on a brew. Enjoy having someone else make lunch for you! Come along to Wilsden Church, meet the rest of the group. Lovely ladies cuddle the babies, whilst you eat your soup. Chat with the mums, new friends you will make. Swap tips and advice over a slice or two of cake. So what are you waiting for? come on along, For homemade treats, good company and if you're lucky a song. We're looking forward to meeting you, please come take a peek, 11-1 at Wilsden Trinity, we're here every week! Celine V (a Soupermum!) Where can new mums go, to have lunch where it’s warm and safe and you get to eat fresh soup and homemade cakes, while someone holds your baby? Too big an ask? Not at Wilsden Trinity! Every Mond...

Virtual Worship - 6 February 2022

Service Sheet (pdf) Welcome to worship wherever you are in the Circuit, come and join i n with the people of Allerton as we gather to worship God together. In a pretty setting opposite Ladywood Park, overlooking green space and its own graveyard, the congregation gathers from the surrounding area, a mix of faces, cultures and traditions, coming together to worship God. Call to worship: Come and worship the Lord: Cry, Holy, holy, holy! Come and praise the name of our God: The whole earth is full of his glory! Song We begin with HP 9/StF 55 Immortal, invisible, God only wise, praising God in his glory. Prayers We worship you, God of all: high above us, your glory more than we could bear to see. You have formed and shaped our world; and we look up and see the grandeur of the mountains, the power of the seas, the distant stars, the long-lived trees, and we marvel. Yet your love is also poured out upon the lowliest of creatures, insects that live but a day, sea creatures never seen by hum...

Bradford North Circuit

Search This Blog