Opening Prayer

by John R. Schol, Bishop, The United Methodist Church, Washington DC Area

at the Opening Ceremony of the China Bible Ministry Exhibition

in Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington DC

September 28, 2011

“Thy word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Gracious God. We give thanks. You have spoken to your people through prophets and teachers, judges and kings and queens, through the high and lifted up and those born in a manger, through fisherman and Roman Centurions.

Yes God, thy word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Gracious God, forgive us for you have lit the way with your word and we chose our own words and our own way. Forgive us when we have turned to the words that have supported personal ambition rather than servant leadership, and when we have listened to rulers who seek nation building rather than seeking your kingdom.

Thy word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Embolden us through your word to spread the good news to the poor, release to the captives and tell the word of hope and justice to the oppressed. Embolden us in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Thy word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. God we also remember the word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and full of truth, a flesh of word that brought salvation. May your word become flesh through our lives and through our actions.

Thy word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Today Lord, we pray for all those who spread your word through sharing your scripture, keep them safe. We pray for the persecutors, and those who seek to prevent the spreading of your word.

Yes, God. Your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

[Recorded according to a video of the opening ceremony. Some words cannot be identified clearly due to the quality of the recording.]