Prayers of Invocation on Darkness
Grant, almighty God, that as you shine on us by your Word, we may not be blind at midday, nor willfully seek darkness, and thus lull our minds asleep: but, may we be roused daily by your words, and may we stir up ourselves more and more to fear your name and thus present ourselves and all our pursuits, as a sacrifice to you, that you may peaceably rule and perpetually dwell in us, until you gather us to your celestial habitation, where there is reserved for us eternal rest and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
John Calvin
O Lord our God, who first made light to shine out of darkness and now awakens us again to praise your goodness and ask for your grace: accept now, in your boundless mercy, the offering of our worship and praise. Make us to be children of light and of the day. Pour out upon us the riches of your mercy, so that we, redeemed in soul and body and steadfast in faith, may ever praise your wonderful and holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Covenant Book of Worship, Covenant Publications, 2003.
Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.
Let not my doubts nor my darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.
Let my heart always welcome your love. Amen.
Taizé: Songs for Prayer. © 1998, Ateliers et Presses de Taizé, 71250 Taizé Community, France.
Eternal Light, who has folded back the curtain of darkness and caused the dawn of a new day to brighten the earth, we ask you to gladden our hearts with your light. Give us the light of faith, that doubts may be dispelled like the mists of the morning; give us the radiance of hope, that we may reach forward to possess virtues we have admired from afar; give us the illumination of love, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name. We offer our prayer in the name of him who is the Light of the world. Amen.
Carl A. Glover, The Lectern, Language Modernized by Stuart Strachan Jr.