BE THE LIGHT
A LITURGY RESOURCE FOR THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
Pause
Take a moment to still yourself. Take a deep breath and ask God for a renewed sense of presence with you in this moment.
Opening Prayer
Loving God,
at the beginning of this new term remind us to:
Love as you love us.
Look to Jesus for guidance as a role model of compassion and aroha.
Share the light and love of Jesus wherever we go.
Sing or listen
When people are in the dark it can be frightening, and they could bump into things.
Light has a purpose – to guide us, to keep us from being afraid, to illuminate what is hidden, and to provide warmth and comfort.
This reading reminds us that… Jesus is like a light to show us the way!
Gospel
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Jesus’ light can shine through YOU!
Think about:
How is Jesus a light for us?
How can we let the light of Jesus shine through us this year?
At this time of new beginnings, we place our prayers and needs before our loving God.
Te Kaihanga (O Creator),
You made each of us unique and
special. May we celebrate and
embrace our differences and use our
gifts to glorify you.
E te Ariki
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
E te Atua o te aroha (loving God),
Empower your one human family to
join hands and recognise the dignity of all and support those in need.
E te Ariki
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
Shepherd Jesus,
You are our role model, light, and guide.
May we live out our Gospel values within our whānau, our community and out in the world.
E te Ariki
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
E te Atua o te katoa (God of all),
You know our journey and our hearts,
walk with us through any difficulties.
May we be guided by your light and
see challenges as opportunities to
learn and grow.
E te Ariki
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
E Te Ariki, e te Atua ora tonu (Almighty
and ever-living God),
We pray for our teachers. May they
feel your presence as they lead us to
new paths of discovery. May they be
free from stress and anxiety and may
peace flow through their work.
E te Ariki
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
Jesus, Light of the world,
May we share your light with others
and be your face, hands, and feet to
all we meet. May others recognise your love in our actions.
E te Ariki
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
Holy Spirit, light within us, Bless us and be with us each day. May all that we do be done in your Name. Amen
Closing Prayer
Lord, your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Thank you that we can live in Your light and walk in Your truth. Dwell in our hearts and stir us to action. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus. Amene.