Prayer for the Longest Night

Sovereign, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1-2)

Though this longest night feels unending, you O Holy One, are the one who never ends, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through the Word, without whom not one thing came into being.  (John 1:1-3a)

You were in the beginning and before the beginning, Creative and Creating Spirit, dwelling in and embodying the darkness, encompassing all things and all nothingness.

What has come into being in the Word was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:3b-5)

Word of God, Light of the World, you are the light that comes not as whiteness, but as every color and wavelength along the electromagnetic spectrum—all light, seen and unseen.

You turn us back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”  For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.  You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. (Psalm 90:3-6)

The dull darkness of this night, this absence of light or color, scatters with the vibrant rainbow of color coming in the approaching dawn of your incarnation.  Carry us through this night, Sovereign God, and safely to the new day of your arising. 

Amen.