Invocation: Transfiguration

Here is a beautiful opening invocation for Transfiguration Sunday (February 19, 2012). It was written by Rev. Madison Shockley, pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, California.

Prayer of Invocation: Transfiguration
(2 Kings 2:1-12, Mark 9:2-9)

O Holy One,
on mountaintops and valley floors
you reveal to us the light of your love.
Our hearts desire is to bask in the amazing glory
of the divine presence.
With each encounter we are changed and transformed.
Draw us nearer
that we might receive a double portion of your Holy Spirit.
Help us, O Holy One, to live our lives as a reflection of divine glory.
May we walk among our brothers and sister as a blessing,
bearing light into dark places,
hope to displace despair,
and love that casts out hate.
Our world is hurting
and we need the followers of Jesus to follow more closely.
Maybe then we will hear your voice speaking to us and saying,
… “listen to my Child, the Beloved!”  Amen.

— from Witness to Wonders: Service Prayers for Transfiguration Sunday, written by the Rev. Madison Shockley, pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, CA.  Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.