This Liturgy has been used as a school
carol service with a cast and congregation of thousands (OK -
hundreds!) - and as an Evening Prayer with 5 people gathered. It is
very adaptable which may be why it is one the most used on the
website.
The
Liturgy is centred around a list of names (about 80!)- stretching
back into the mists of time to the beginning when God said, "Let
there be light!"
You may wish to add names - to include the
patron saint of your church or group, for example.
You may also wish to reduce the number of
names - especially if this is to be used by a small group! Resist the temptation to prune
too heavily - remember this is an exercise in waiting - and showing how generation upon
generation upon generation have waited and watched as God's plan for the world unfolds...
It is especially effective if you have people holding unlit
tapers or candles - and then, as the names are listed, the light is passed on from one to
another - until, eventually, a line of lights is created - representing the passing of the
light from one generation to the next until our own day...
Alternatively, in smaller groups, use candles or tee-lights
with the names alongside - lighting each in turn. They can form a circle around the main
candle - or a line reaching out from it. Adapt according to the space you have available.
Scripture Readings can be added in at
suitable moments - perhaps from the Prophets - or the Gospels.
You may like to intersperse the Litany with chants which
speak of the kindling of light
A Closing Song should be celebratory - the Light has passed
to us! It could sing of commitment - and confidence - and joy...
The number of Readers can be adapted to suit
your circumstances - but bear in mind that such a long list could get very tedious with
only one voice reading it!
The Liturgy can readily be adapted for use
with children (we know because Catherine has done it! See above)
To make a link
with MakePovertyHistory, and if numbers and circumstances permit,
encircle your church/ building with light. Alternatively, have a
large map of the world around which people can make a circle with
tee-lights - or people standing with tapers.