Lighting of the AIDS candle

Today we hold before God those suffering from HIV and AIDS,

Their families, and those who care for them.

The lighting of this candle is a symbol to remind us of the words of John’s gospel that there is a light that shines in the darkness and that the darkness has not overcome it.

Approach sentence

The prophet said of the Servant, ‘Surely he has borne our infirmities”.
Let us worship the One who brings healing through his bruises.

Collect

Living God, you are the source of all light and life.

In your strength is our strength; In your health is our health,

And in your being we have our being:

Grant your wholeness to thebrokenness within us;

Healing in our lives; your love in our pain

And your peace in our hearts:

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Readings

Isaiah 53: 3-6 Psalm 139: 1-11

Romans 8:31-39 John 1:1-14

Peace sentence

I am convinced that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the peace of God. May the peace of the Lord be with you always.

Proper preface

And now we give you thanks, because he is the light who shines in our darkness, giving light to our path as we grope for ways in which we can serve those who are infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Epiclesis

Now, by the power of the Holy Spirit who continues his healing work in our community, may this bread and this wine be to us his body and his blood

Post-communion sentence

There is a light shining in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Post-communion prayer

Lord God , you show yourself to those who are without help and make your home with the poor and the weak:

We thank you that you welcomed us to share in this Eucharistic meal with all those who believed in you.

Grant that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may joyfully accept the challenge that HIV/AID presents to us,

And continue your work of bringing wholeness to a broken world:

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Blessing

Stand firm now, assured of the love our Lord has for you:

Knowing that you have been made whole deep within your being:

Knowing that you are called to share that healing with those given into your care:

And may the compassion of the Father,

The tenderness of the Holy Spirit, and the guiding hand of the Lord Jesus

Be with you this day and always.