Chalice lighting
For the light
Suggested tune Calon Lan (268G)
For the light of days remembered
which has brought us to this place,
and the light of love and justice
for the wider human race;
for the light which burns and blazes
to inspire us to our best,
and the light which in its fading
calls us to our nightly rest;
As
A safe and sacred space
The lighting of this chalice calls us to attention –
as we focus on its flickering light for a moment
let us recall the shared intention that it represents –
to make this a safe and sacred space for prayer and sharing
in which we can re-connect with life’s depths and our highest aspirations –
For a better world
We light this chalice as a reminder of the tradition that holds us,
and the values and aspirations we share as a community:
our commitment to the common good,
our care for those who are downtrodden,
and our yearning for a better world that’s yet to be,
where all may know true freedom, justice, equality,
Our guiding principles
May the light of this chalice be a reminder of the
shared values and principles around which we gather:
upholding the inherent worth and dignity of every person;
cherishing all those diverse creatures and habitats
with whom we share this Earth, our home;
seeking human liberation and flourishing;
serving the common good of all.
May this
Another light
We kindle our chalice flame.
By its light we meet each other
face to face.
In each other’s faces
may we sense another light,
the one divine Light
that glows within us all.
In the darkness of grief
In the world’s grief and darkness
we keep a flame burning –
the flame of hope, the flame of truth,
the flame that warms the heart with loving kindness.
Sacred fire
We kindle the sacred fire
as we gather in community,
mindful of the brave souls and
questing, independent minds
whose courage won our freedom.
Heritage of light
We light our chalice
to celebrate our heritage of light:
the light of science and of art;
the light of story and of poem;
the light of nature and of reason;
the inner light of spirit and of truth.