Melissa Maher
Jesus You are the Light of the world, in you there is no darkness at all. You are the light that shines through the darkness which the darkness can never extinguish.
We believe that in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. You are God’s secret plan revealed to us your children. So today….Light of the world, shine upon us…so that the world may know and see the mystery which was revealed in Christ.
God, as a place of spiritual & intellectual formation, we also confess with one Spirit that your wisdom is what we desire. We pray that Christ would dwell richly in our hearts so that we can have the power to comprehend the greatest mystery that forms the foundation of our faith. May we be rooted and grounded in love so we can begin to comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of the love of Christ. And we know it is a lofty goal to strive to understand you…but we approach the throne in confidence that your commands, decrees, and covenant will once again make the foolish—wise, will revive our souls, enlighten our eyes, quicken our feet, and shape our hearts for mercy and justice.
Holy Spirit, you are the great counselor and comforter…the breath that leads us into all truth. You are recognized in acts of hospitality and celebration, of remembering and mourning. We are a community that welcomes and sends forth. Today we welcome new students, spouses, families, faculty, staff. We know that many have made significant sacrifices to be here and to pursue the calling you have placed in each of our lives. We have all made a step in the direction of surrendering to you. We are also a community that sends forth new pastors, counselors, teachers, and leaders to proclaim the good news. We are a community that continues to mourn and grieve the death of our brother, Sam Eden. We cling to the truth that you are the light…so when the shadows of grief come, we look to you. Today we remember and honor Sam because he was one who honored you.
So Father, Son and Spirit… Here we are. We are here as a testimony of who you are…not of who we are. We are gathered as your people. We are here to sing your song, to pray to you, and to listen to your Word. We profess that we are one body sustained by one Spirit. All glory to you—this we pray in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit. Amen.
Melissa Maher. MDiv. student
February 6, 2007