Prayer of Illumination
All mighty God, we fall prostrate before you, for even kneeling in your presence is more than what we deserve. And yet, you call us to stand; to stand boldly before you as your chosen ones. So here we stand; not because of who we are but because of who you are. Illumine us, fill us, and then send us out to do your bidding. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.
TEXT
1 John 2:12-14 TNIV
I am writing to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
READ
Who Is Like You
Who is like you, Jesus, sweet Jesus?
You are the light of those who are spiritually lost.
You are the life of those who are spiritually dead.
You are the liberation of those who are imprisoned by guilt.
You are the glory of those who hate themselves.
You are the guardian of those who are paralyzed by fear.
You are the guide of those who are bewildered by falsehood.
You are the peace of those who are in turmoil.
You are the prince of those who yearn to be led.
You are the priest of those who seek the truth.
—Johann Freylinghausen, 1670-1739, “Spiritual Songbook.” Trans. Peter C. Erb in Pietists: Selected Writings (London, 1983)