A Lighthouse Prayer

Lord,

I like lighthouses.

You have seen me

drive out of my way 

just to get a photo of one.

I have quite a collection in my office too.

Their tall presence majestic

with the shoreline waters below.

I think a lighthouse is

a good metaphor for the church.

A lighthouse shines light into the darkness 

as a navigational beacon,

a fixed point on the shoreline,

helping those on the waters in the dark find their way.

The church too shines the light of Christ,

a standard of truth, justice, and love,

a guidepost for those seeking to find their way in life.

The lighthouse also uses a fog horn

to sound a warning of hidden shallows or rocky shoals

to those blinded by the fog on the waters.

So too the church sounds a warning

of the reality of sin and selfish living

as well as the seduction of evil

which lies close at hand

to which we are blind.

The lighthouse stands tall and proud

at the intersection of water and shore.

All of the churches I have served so far

have also stood tall at an intersection 

of two streets.

They have also stood tall

at the intersections of life:

birth and death,

youth and age,

wealth and poverty,

need and generosity,

loneliness and belonging,

hunger and God's table of thanksgiving,

unknown and being fully known,

lost and loved,

last and first.

Lord Jesus you said to your followers:

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it 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."

--Matthew 5:14-16

Lord,

may your church be a lighthouse 

standing tall at the intersection 

boldly shining our light 

for all neighbors to see

so that they too will give glory to God!

Amen.