Walk Into the Light by disparkys

Everything belongs, and no one needs to be scapegoated or excluded. Evil or Untruth cannot be directly fought or separated from as much as exposed to the Light. – Richard Rohr

When we realize that we do not have to be clever, powerful or successful in order to be loved, then we can live in truth, come to the light and be led by the Spirit of God. -Jean Vanier, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John

This liturgy was born out of reading John 3, especially the line, “those who do what is true come to the light.” The season of light and new life is almost here. What in your life needs to come out of the shadow and into the light? Lisa <><

For a PDF version of the canticle, click here: Canticle of God’s Truth and Light

The following liturgy is made up of Kathleen Thomerson’s hymn I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (United Methodist Hymnal #206), a scripture reading from John 3:19-21 (NRSV), and original prayers by Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia.

Canticle of God’s Truth and Light
ONE READING: John 3:19-21
Jesus said, “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

ONE or ALL SINGING:
I want to walk as a child of the Light
I want to follow Jesus
God set the stars to give light to the world
The Star of my life is Jesus.
In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The lamb is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

ALL PRAYING:
Radiant Creator,
Strong, Wise, One,
Shine in my mind,
Enlighten my understanding of you and your ways
So I may do what is true and live in your light

ONE or ALL SINGING:
I want to see the Brightness of God
I want to look at Jesus
Clear Son of righteousness shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father.
In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The lamb is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

ALL PRAYING:
Breath of Life,
Refiner’s Fire,
Shine in my eyes,
Illumine what is in need of correction and cleansing,
Spark in me your compassion and reign

ONE or ALL SINGING
I’m looking for the coming of Christ
I want to be with Jesus
When we have run, with patience, the race
We shall know the joy of Jesus.
In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The lamb is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

ALL PRAYING
Jesus, Messiah,
Light of the World,
Shine in my life,
Make me a lighthouse to reflect your love;
A consistent beacon of hope that leads others home safely

ALL SINGING
In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The lamb is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.