Heavenly Father,
By the Holy Spirit you’ve drawn each and every one of us here this morning.You are the God of light and love, and you’ve granted us the gift of sharing your light, not just in this place, but in our communities and around the world.
Yet there are times when the darkness around us and in us can make it seem like there is no light. In your mercy, crash your light into the darkness of this world. By your Word, shine your light into our own darkness. Lift the scales from our eyes and scatter the dark clouds with the light of your grace found in your son Jesus Christ.
So often we fall to temptation, and bear the fruit of sin: hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy. Be the friend and pardoner of sinners. In your mercy repent us, faith us, forgive us, renew us. It is for freedom that you set us free. Cause us to stand firm that we might not return to the yoke of slavery to sin.
Remind us that we are marked with your name, and stir your Holy Spirit within us that we might instead bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
In your mighty and gracious name,
AMEN.