Regarding Light and Darkness

Based on Isaiah 49-50:11 and Ephesians 1:1-23

To You, O GOD, who formed me from the womb to be Your servant, whose name You have inscribed on the palms of Your hands, I break out in singing and gratitude and joy! For You, O LORD, have comforted Your people and have promised to have mercy on Your afflicted. You have preserved us and You are living in us now, Your covenant to Your people in order to restore the earth. You are causing us to inherit desolate heritages, but You are doing this in order that You may bring Your light to those who are in darkness and say to the prisoner, "Go forth."

You, O LORD, have comforted Your people and will have mercy on Your afflicted! You are contending with those who contend with us -- and You will save our children! Thank You, LORD GOD, for opening Your ear, for not turning away when I was rebellious, for giving Your back to those who struck You, Your cheeks to those who plucked out the beard. Thank You for not hiding Your face from shame and spitting.

I pray for any and all who are walking in darkness  now, who have no light. Let them trust in You, O LORD! Reveal Yourself in ways they can understand personally. Meet them in their integrity so they can accept You authentically and be accepted in You, the Beloved, to enter Fullness of Life in Christ. Seal them with Your Holy Spirit of promise! We thank You, LORD,  for giving them Your Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know the hope of Your calling. May they be seated with us in You, LORD Christ, Who is head of all things, in the fullness of You who is all in all!

This photograph is by Liz Burnell.