NIGHT PRAYER: Candlemas Day 2/2

Today is Candlemas Day (the Feast of the Presentation).  Our prayer this evening looks for Christ to be our light, the light of salvation for all peoples.

On the dark days, Lord,
   when thick clouds shade my heart,
      shine your light upon my steps...

Be the light that burns within me,
   in the corners of confusion...

Be the light upon my path
   to show the way when I am lost...

Be a light to search me out
   when I'm huddled in the shadows...
   
Draw me out of my own darkness, Lord,
   into the light of peace...

Be the midday sun and share with me
  the warmth of your embrace...

Be the moon's light in my night skies,
   to glow in all my dreams...

Be a light of truth and wisdom
   in my random, foolish thoughts....

And be my light of hope, Lord,
   when sadness fills my dwelling...

When I prefer the darkness, Lord, 

    or when I close my eyes in fear

then shine your light upon me

    and give me strength of heart..

Brighten the darkness around me, Lord:

   illumine the darkness within me, 

   shine through the darkness that hides me,

   burn in the darkness that chills me, 

   shimmer in the darkness that dulls me,

   gleam in the darkness that shrouds me,

   sparkle in the darkness that clouds my hope...

Draw me out of my own darkness, Lord,

   into the light that never dims...

Amen.

Tonight's musical reflection is a musical setting for Simeon's words in the gospel of the Feast of the Presentation.  His words are prayed every evening at Compline, the official night prayer of church.   The antiphon which introduces and completes Simeon's canticle of praise  is also the familiar ending with which our Night Prayer here concludes every evening.

Canticle of Simeon by Steven Warner

   - performed by University of Notre Dame Folk Choir

 

If a widget doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake,

watch over us as we sleep

that awake, we may keep watch with Christ

and asleep, rest in his peace...

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace,

your word has been fulfilled

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit

as it was in the beginning, is now

and will be forever.  Amen.

Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake,

watch over us as we sleep

as awake, we may keep watch with Christ

and asleep, rest in his peace...

 

Tweet   

SUBSCRIBE HERE!