lightning-mcp-server

Connect AI assistants to Lightning nodes for read-only inspection via Lightning Node Connect.

57|18|Updated Feb 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/lightninglabs/lightning-agent-tools --skill lightning-mcp-server
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: lightning-mcp-server
Source: https://github.com/lightninglabs/lightning-agent-tools/tree/main/skills/lightning-mcp-server
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/lightninglabs/lightning-agent-tools --skill lightning-mcp-server

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires go, jq, docker, and includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill gives AI assistants secure, read-only access to Lightning nodes through Lightning Node Connect, avoiding direct network exposure, TLS certificate handling, and stored macaroons.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Build and install the MCP server from source for Lightning Node Connect access.
  • Configure production or regtest environments with mailbox, dev mode, insecure TLS, and timeout settings.
  • Register the server in Claude Code as a local, project, or global MCP tool entry.
  • Use it to inspect node info, balances, channels, invoices, payments, peers, and on-chain data.

Quick Start

Run the setup scripts in the lightning-mcp-server skill directory to build the server, generate its environment file, and add it to Claude Code.

Frequently Asked Questions about lightning-mcp-server

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I give an AI assistant read-only access to a Lightning node?▼

To give an AI assistant read-only access to a Lightning node, use Lightning Node Connect to inspect node state, channels, and on-chain data without direct gRPC exposure or stored macaroons.

Does Claude Code support connecting to an LND node via websocket?▼

Claude Code supports connecting to an LND node by registering a local MCP server entry. It uses Lightning Node Connect for secure access, avoiding direct TLS certificate handling and credential storage.

How do I set up an MCP server for Lightning Node Connect in Claude Code?▼

To set up an MCP server for Lightning Node Connect, run the provided setup scripts to build the server, generate its environment file, and add it to Claude Code as a local, project, or global tool entry.

Do I need Go and Docker to configure a Lightning MCP server?▼

You need Go 1.24+ and jq to build and configure the Lightning MCP server from source. Docker is also listed as a dependency, while setup requires Lightning Terminal pairing phrases to establish the connection.

What Lightning node data can I inspect using a read-only MCP client?▼

Using a read-only MCP client, you can inspect Lightning node info, balances, channels, invoices, payments, peers, and on-chain data without needing direct network exposure or stored macaroons.

Can I configure a regtest environment with insecure TLS for a Lightning MCP server?▼

You can configure production or regtest environments for the Lightning MCP server with mailbox, dev mode, insecure TLS, and timeout settings through the generated environment file and setup scripts.