31 Days of Prayer: DAY 3

FOCUS VERSE: “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand so that those who enter can see the light.” —Luke 8:16

PRAYER OF PRESENCE: Dear Lord, help me to present to all your have to offer in this moment. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 8:16-21

HYMN FOR REFLECTION:
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDqWO2XX87c 

Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788

1. Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire,
   Let us Thine influence prove,
   Source of the old prophetic fire,
   Fountain of life and love.
2. Come, Holy Ghost (for moved by Thee
   The prophets wrote and spoke),
   Unlock the truth, Thyself the key,
   Unseal the sacred book.
3. Expand Thy wings, celestial Dove,
   Brood o’er our nature’s night;
   On our disordered spirits move,
   And let there now be light.
4. God, through Himself, we then shall know,
   If Thou within us shine,
   And sound, with all Thy saints below,
   The depths of love divine.

REFLECTION:

At some point in my childhood, my parents purchased a little “farm,” and for a season, we would spend Friday evenings and Saturdays there. I say farm, but it was really more of a plot of land with a two-room cabin, a propane tank stove, and no running water or electricity. We used a rope to pull water from a well, and as for the bathroom… well, never mind. You get the picture. My siblings and I spent our days running around the property, climbing trees, and exploring the surroundings. But when night fell, we would gather inside around a kerosene lamp. There was something magical about those evenings—the flickering light in the deep darkness, the way we would huddle close to hear stories, and the sense of peace that came from its soft glow. It felt almost like a mystery, how the deep darkness could be completely transformed by the simple light of a lamp.

In today’s text, Jesus gives a reminder that seems almost too obvious to state: “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed.” Of course not. The very purpose of light is to shine, to provide clarity, direction, and comfort. It’s meant to fill the space it inhabits with warmth and visibility, dispelling shadows and revealing what was hidden.

When I think back to those nights on the farm, I realize how essential that single lamp was. Without it, the darkness was overwhelming, even disorienting. But with it, we could see where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing. In the same way, Jesus calls us to let the light of God shine in and through us. The light of Christ is not meant to be hidden; it’s meant to illuminate not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.

The more I have interacted with the Scriptures and the life of faith, the more convinced I am that this light which came into the world isn’t just about offering new knowledge or revelation—it’s about transformation. Jesus goes on to say, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” The light of Christ has a way of revealing truth—not to condemn, but to heal and restore. It invites us to live authentically and boldly, sharing the hope and grace we have received.

So, what does it mean for us to be lamps in the world? It means allowing the light of Christ to shape our words, actions, and relationships. It means standing as a source of hope in places of despair, offering clarity in moments of confusion, and extending love in times of division. Just as the kerosene lamp illuminated our little cabin on those dark nights, we are called to bring light to the spaces we inhabit.

What are the corners of our lives or communities that need the light of Christ? And how can we ensure that this light isn’t dimmed by fear, complacency, or distraction? 

Let us remember that even the smallest light can transform the deepest darkness.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Kindle Thy light within me, O God! 

Kindle Thy light within me, that all my darkness may be clearly defined. It is so easy for me to recognize and respond to the darkness in others. Far more conscious am I of the error of others than of my own. The temptation is ever present to compare my strengths with another’s weaknesses—to my own advantage, to my own self-glory. Searchingly, there wells up in my mind the terrible thought: “I thank thee that I am not as other [people].” 

Kindle Thy light within me, O God, that I may be guarded against self-deception and the vanity that creeps into my spirit where a shadow is cast between me and Thy scrutiny. I must know through all the reaches of my spirit that my light at its best is dim and clouded with shadow! Teach me the technique by which I can lay bare not merely my failures, my shortcomings, my sin; but also my successes, my strengths and my righteousness. 

Kindle Thy light within me, O God, that Thy glow may be spread over all of my life; yea indeed, that Thy glow may be spread over all of my life. More and more, may Thy light give radiance to my flickering candle, fresh vigor to my struggling intent, and renewal to my flagging spirit. Without Thy light within me, I must spend my years fumbling in my darkness. 

Kindle Thy light within me, O God!

Amen.

Closing prayer by Howard Thurman (1899-1981). 

WEEKLY PRACTICE: Jan 1 - 4 (Wed - Sat)

Writing as a Spiritual Practice: Keeping a Prayer Journal

Start strong with a journal as you pray. For just 4 days, make a point of putting pen to paper with at least one word. You may copy down a scripture focus for the day, or write an expression of thoughts during your prayer time. Even if all you can think of is one word or theme, when written down you will find success as you are writing a spiritual practice. Feel free to carry this practice into the rest of the days of this month as well. 

May this act of praying on paper be a practice of renewal and hope. Amen.