Praying Together 2021

161 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. May the love and peace of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Let us pray for the light of Christ. (pause) God of love, thank you for the gift of Jesus. May his light shine through us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said to his disciples: “You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lamp stand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Look carefully at the flickering flame of your candle. Letting our light shine for the whole world means spreading happiness, smiling at people, welcoming others, and doing kind things for people as Jesus has asked us to. Now sing a joyful song together, “Let Your Light Shine” by Hillsong Kids. The words are easy to learn so you might like to play it through twice and sing along with confidence the second time through. Children who like to move may want to get up and dance! DISMISSAL May Christ our Light bring us to joy. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. Thursday Week 23 Ordinary Time 9 September 2021 “You are like light for the whole world.”