A Halloween Prayer

God of Wonders,
who made both the dark and light,
as we go out to play tonight
with the eerie, spooky, and frightening,
we give thanks for the lights
that shine in the darkness.

For jack-o-lantern candles
winking in the night.

For front doors held open to neighbors,
pouring light onto the sidewalk.

For light-up sneakers
peeping out from under costumes.

For the light in a child’s eyes
when they get their favorite treat.

For the irrepressible light
in human hearts,
that looks fear in the eye
and invents a celebration
where monsters are met
with candy and kindness.

And when it is all done,
and the masks come off
and the costumes are exchanged
for pajamas,
we give you thanks, Lord,
for the gentler light
of the moon.

A light to keep the lost
and the lonely company,
until you bring the new morning
one more time.

By the Light of the World,
we pray. Amen.