Prayers of the People, Epiphany 1B

Hello, God ...
can you hear us?
A New Year is dawning
and with it should be hope,
but all many of your people can see
is darkness.
Your children are rejected
by those who come from the inky blackness
of piousness
and prejudice.
Speak your Light into the darkness,
we pray:
Light of justice,
Light of peace.
Your people are suffering
in the bottomless emptiness
of grief
and pain.
Speak your Light into the darkness:
Light of healing,
Light of mercy.
Your leaders call from the watery abyss,
drowning in chaos,
frightened and overwhelmed.
Speak your Light into the darkness,
Creator God:
Light of wisdom,
Light of grace.
Speak your Light into the darkness,
​we pray,
for it is good.
Amen.