"Light shatters darkness every time."
It has been one of my favourite phrases for many years, and is only growing in strength and conviction for all facets of life.
As they did, I invited them to take their phones, turn on their flashlights and raise them up.
Yes, even a solitary light on its own can make a difference.
Streams of light united by a singular purpose can shatter the deep shadows of societal troubles.
My preparation for this prayer came from visiting a community in the slums of Cape Town, South Africa in 2014. With little resources, there was a group of people, a church, making profound differences in the layers of darkness brought about by a myriad of societal pressures, accumulated over decades of injustice, still unravelling in post-apartheid South Africa. At the end of the church service, they sang us out to a song that I will never forget: "Be Bright In The Corner Where You Are." In those moments the embers of difference making justice began to burn brighter within me.
The prayer shared came from a compilation of Bible truths that reflect God's care for all the people in our communities. It is a call of correction to self-serving tendencies, and an invitation to meet the real needs of real people with the Great Love of Jesus.
It is a composite of Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 29:1-7; Matthew 5:16-18; Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 58; Micah 6:8.
If the good news message we have been entrusted with isn't good news for the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed, then it isn't good news at all.
Let's shine!
A Prayer for Our City" (November 2, 2025)
"Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Lord Jesus, Light of the World,
You came to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed.
As You shine in our hearts, may you bring the radiance of your good news for those who are under resourced and held down by people and policies.
Teach us to seek justice, defend the oppressed, and care for the vulnerable as Your Word declares.
Bring to light every shadowed place—corruption, broken systems, inclinations to serve our ourselves before our neighbours — and replace them with righteousness, truth, and mercy.
Let Your light rise over our neighborhoods like the dawn, revealing Your faithfulness and driving out fear. Heal divisions, restore what is ruined, and make our streets places of peace again.
Holy Spirit, fill the leaders of this city with wisdom and compassion. Stir up Your people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. May this city see Your glory through the works You perform among us through Christ our King.
May you be remembered always for your spirit inspired work of faith—steadfast and sincere,
For your labor of love—generous and enduring,
And for your patience of hope—anchored in Christ and unwavering in trial.
May the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you in every good work,
And may we cling to our God and Father, finding joy in your journey,
As we walk humbly in unity, serve sacrificially and love deeply.
Filled with peace,
To serve with grace,
And to shine with the light of hope.
Amen."
(These concepts have been captured in greater detail in my recent book, Down To Earth Leadership)
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