Read Psalm 25:1-10

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul … (Psalm 25:1)

In cleaning out the church office, I discovered four tiny glass candle holders with the words inscribed on them: “Keep calm and dream big”, “Keep calm and love life”, “Keep calm and be yourself”, and “Keep calm and enjoy life.” 

I noticed one of them had never been lit, two had only been lit once, and one was burned down almost to the bottom. “Keep calm and enjoy life”. This last one seemed to attract more attention and use. I could imagine, if this were a prayer, the person would light a candle to highlight a persistent longing in their season of life. “Keep calm and enjoy life.”

At this time of the year when new routines are established and new paths launched it may be one specific prayer over others that rises in your heart – a need, a desire, a longing, a thanksgiving, a confession. What need do you recognize in your life now, because for whatever reason you cannot tap into trust, joy or gratitude right now?

In a prayer for guidance and deliverance, the Psalmist lifts their spirit and lets it go to God. No wonder in Christian tradition lighting candles has become synonymous with praying. We watch the tiny flame expel whiffs of smoke arising towards the heavens, and we make our prayer.

May the light of Christ bring me joy today. Amen.