Rex A.E. Hunt offers this candle-light prayer litany, suitable for use at the start of a new year.
Litany for the Past Year
First candle is lit
We light this candle remembering the children
who were baptized this past year into our congregation.
who were baptized this past year into our congregation.
This light beams so that all young people may be able
to grow up receiving affection and protection.
to grow up receiving affection and protection.
Silence
Second candle is lit
We light this second candle remembering all those
who have experienced grief and loss in our congregation:
the death of a loved one,
the ending of a significant relationship,
the loss of employment.
who have experienced grief and loss in our congregation:
the death of a loved one,
the ending of a significant relationship,
the loss of employment.
This light beams for their continuing comfort and support.
Silence
Third candle is lit
We light this third candle remembering all those who
have shared in ministry in this place:
Ministers, lay preachers, organists and singers,
those who offered pastoral care
or reminded us of our wider community,
those who visited hospitals, nursing homes,
cooked meals or offered transport.
have shared in ministry in this place:
Ministers, lay preachers, organists and singers,
those who offered pastoral care
or reminded us of our wider community,
those who visited hospitals, nursing homes,
cooked meals or offered transport.
This light beams with the compassion
of the Christ One in our midst.
of the Christ One in our midst.
Silence
Fourth candle is lit
We light this fourth candle remembering all those who
have visited our congregation in recent times
and decided to call this place, 'home'.
have visited our congregation in recent times
and decided to call this place, 'home'.
This light beams in order that we continue to explore and enjoy
everything we have received, as a gift.
Silence
Fifth candle is lit
We light this fifth candle mindful of those who
have called us to risk the way of Jesus:
to create inclusive and safe,
open, and honest communities for all.
have called us to risk the way of Jesus:
to create inclusive and safe,
open, and honest communities for all.
This light beams as a symbol of hope
in the midst of both challenge and comfort.
in the midst of both challenge and comfort.
Silence
Sixth candle is lit
We light this sixth candle having each and everyone of us in mind,
bearing each other in strengths and weaknesses,
anxieties and hopes.
bearing each other in strengths and weaknesses,
anxieties and hopes.
This light beams on the pathways we have welcomed
and where we didn't want to go.
It will continue to shine for each and every one of us
on the new pathways we will tread.
and where we didn't want to go.
It will continue to shine for each and every one of us
on the new pathways we will tread.
Silence
The Peace
Let us then, take a moment to celebrate each other.
The peace of God is here... to stay.
The peace of God is here... to stay.
Thanks be to God.
You are invited to share the peace with your neighbours
— posted on Rex A.E. Hunt website.
For more worship resources for the New Year, click on New Year in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or visit this Index of New Year Resources.
