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Liturgies in Response to Terrorist Events
Lighting of Candles
If held in the evening, worship might begin with the procession and
lighting of candles. Circumstances may permit each person to hold a
candle or only candles for worship may be lighted.
L. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
C. He is the light that no darkness can dim.
L. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
C. Through Christ the world came into being.
L. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
C. He is the light that no darkness can dim.
L. Jesus Christ is the Light of all people. The light shines in the deepest night
and it is not overcome by evil, violence, and death. Even when our eyes are shaded
by fear and our hearts are overcome with grief, the Holy Spirit keeps the flame
of faith alive.
C. Holy Spirit comfort us.
L. Our families, our daily work, our security have been changed forever by the
trauma of evil actions.
C. Holy Spirit heal us.
L. We search for answers, for completion, for an end to chaos.
C. Holy Spirit strengthen our faith.
L. We gather tonight in Jesus’ name in community to bring to prayer the events
of last September and the months that have followed. Together, we can bring to
prayer that which we cannot understand, forget, and which threatens to overwhelm
us. Even when words fail us, we are assured that the Holy Spirit continues our
prayer and intercedes for us. We gather together tonight secure in the promise
that Jesus Christ stands with us tonight and brings us hope.
C. Amen.