Evening Prayer for Sunday, January 5, 2025

 

Praying the Scriptures

Sunday Evening Prayer

January 5, 2025

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. (Matthew 4:16)

Heavenly Father,

As the sun sets over the desert plains and the glow of luminarias fades into the night, I am reminded of Your promise: "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned."

Tonight, under the expansive New Mexican sky, I feel the depth of this truth. In this season of Christmas, I celebrate the light of Christ that has dawned in my life. You have banished the shadows of despair and sin, filling my heart with the warmth of Your love.

O Lord, as the stars sparkle like silver on the desert floor, I give thanks for Your light that guides me through life's valleys. May I reflect Your radiance, like the adobe walls warmed by the glow of a New Mexican sunset. Let me be a beacon of hope and compassion to those who still sit in the shadows, yearning for the dawn.

Holy Spirit, kindle within me a flame of love that cannot be extinguished. Empower me to carry Your light to my family, my neighbors, and my community. May my words and actions proclaim the Good News of the Savior born in Bethlehem, a light for all people.

As I prepare to rest, I ask for Your protection and peace. Guard my heart against fear, and fill my dreams with visions of Your kingdom. May the joy of this holy season inspire me to rise tomorrow with a renewed commitment to walk as a child of light.

In the name of the One who is the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

I hope this prayer brings you comfort and peace through the night.

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The Bible passages come from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyrighted © 1989, 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America and are used by permission. All rights reserved. Praying the Scriptures is penned daily by Kenny Sallee, ThM.