Prayers For Epiphany

The following scripturally based prayers capture the power images associated with worship on Epiphany. Adapt to local need or custom.

Prayers of Invocation or Opening Prayers Eternal Lord, as we gather in worship may we focus more fully on your presence. Help us to listen to your Spirit so we too can hear your gracious words of welcome, "Come, follow me, the kingdom of God is near." Open our hearts and enliven our faith that we might follow you in our worship and witness now and every day this week. In Jesus' strong and tender name. Amen! Commentary: Epiphany is the season that reveals the fullness of Jesus Christ who comes to make known God. The words of Mark 1:15, 17 provide the language which invites us in our worship to become receptive to this divine manifestation. Mighty God, open once more the heavens and send forth your renewing Holy Spirit. Speak to us this day so that we might hear and respond in joy as we worship your Son Jesus Christ. Baptize us with your delight that we might know that we belong to you. In Jesus' precious name. Amen. Commentary: This prayer's imagery is drawn from Jesus' baptism (Matt. 3:16–17), a common theme for Epiphany. Further, this prayer acknowledges at the beginning of worship the crucial truth that God delights and loves us as sons and daughters. Prayers of Confession CONFESSION Mighty King of Glory, we come before you in the good name of Jesus. Gather us in your grace and mercy so that we might speak with integrity and truth. We humbly confess that we are not the people we desire to be. Nor are we the people you desire to make us. Forgive us when we limit you by our narrow and distorted vision. Too often we are prone to become fascinated with the spectacular and lose sight of the commitments that fill each day. In our efforts to produce and prolong mountain top thrills we are often quick to dismiss the ordinary responsibilities that summon our faithfulness. O God, cleanse our hearts, forgive our sins, and transfigure our perceptions that we might see and follow Jesus wherever he leads. Through Christ alone we are restored and made right with you and others … [opportunity for silent confession] … This we pray in Jesus Christ, who is your Son and our Savior. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE Leader: (reads Luke 9:35b; 5:20b) People: (read John 1:29b) All: (read 1 John 1:7) The stirring story of Jesus' transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36, cf. Matt. 17:1–13; Mark 9:2–13) invites us to join the early disciples to locate ourselves amidst similar distorted perceptions. The initial Scripture from the words of assurance (taken from the Transfiguration narrative) indicates how one portion of Scripture can provide a connection between the various components of the order of worship. CONFESSION Almighty and Gracious God, on this Epiphany we are confronted once again with the Jesus Christ, the light of the world. We pause amidst all our words and singing to be quiet before you. (The worship leader then directs the congregation with an example, such as the one provided here.) Dear people of God, use this silence to reflect upon and review your relationship with God. Perhaps today you sense God very closely, if so celebrate and praise God for this friendship. Or perhaps today you realize that you are quite distant from God, if so, consider with the Holy Spirit's help, what has caused this separation and what steps you can take to renew your communion with God. Then again some of us today may be confused and not have any idea where we are with God, if so invite God to enlighten you and help you know how much God truly delights in you: (silent reflection) Words of Assurance (unison): Romans 6:5, 11; 8:1 Words of Assurance (unison): Isaiah 44:21–22; 43:25 Prayer for Illumination Holy Father, fling open the shutters of our souls with your Holy Spirit so the radiance of your Scriptures may shine into our hearts with the illuminating knowledge of your glory and Christ's presence. Hear us and guide us as we pray in Jesus' powerful name. Amen! Commentary: The words of 2 Corinthians 4:6 provide rich pictorial language for seeking God's guidance as the Scriptures are read and expounded. Offertory Prayer Loving God, you have blessed us with the eternal gift of your Son Jesus Christ. Like the wise men of old, create within us the joy of giving, as we humbly offer the treasures of our lives so Christ might be truly honored and we might know his delight deep within our souls. In Jesus' name. Amen! Commentary: The inspiration for this prayer is drawn from the example of the magi (Matt. 2:11). Further this passage illustrates that the wise men offered their gifts after they had met Jesus. If it is not your regular practice to receive the offering after the sermon, then perhaps you may wish to alter the sequence in keeping with this Scripture. Matthew's passage reminds us that our giving is a response of gratitude for being in Christ's presence not an appeal or effort to bargain our way to God. Most gracious and generous God, you manifested your great love in the coming of Jesus Christ. As his life revealed your grace and truth may the presentation of our tithes and offerings display our best to you, ever faithful Lord. Expand our hearts and enlarge our giving that others may discover the fullness of your abundance. For the sake of Christ and his kingdom we pray. Amen Commentary: The self-offering of God in Christ which encourages our responsive giving is built around the imagery of John 1:14, 16–18. Pastoral Prayers Eternal Lord and God, it is our joyful privilege to join with you in prayer. Scripture reminds us that Jesus Christ was no stranger to celebration. He accepted the invitation to be part of the wedding feast of Cana in Galilee. Accept also our prayers of praise and adoration which we offer to you, gracious and loving God. We are grateful that you are a God who takes interest in the daily delight and distress of our lives. We rejoice that the same transforming power that changed water into wine is present to work wonders in our lives and those of the world. We marvel at the mystery of Christ's presence and power which reveals what has been hidden from those who are too busy to observe your promises. Where hardness of heart or dullness of spirit lingers, soften us with your Holy Spirit. Awaken our memories that we might recall the mighty acts of Christ on our behalf. May the reminder of his glory encourage our faith and dependence upon you, mighty God. Stretch our imaginations that we might see with the eyes of Jesus those who are in need. Tender and compassionate Lord, be pleased to be present with those who are sick or recovering from illness. In particular we ask that you refresh … with the awareness of your presence and promises. We also name … as shut ins or those unable to be with us in worship today. Come alongside any who have tasted the grief or loss of family or friends….Be near also to those who have lost jobs or whose marriages are unraveling or for those struggling in troubled relationships with their partners, children, or parents. May we further recall the needs of our community and country. We remember those who serve in positions of leadership and power. May they exercise their responsibilities with wisdom and compassion that reflects that of Christ. Amidst the global community in which we live, make us sensitive to the needs of people harmed by famine, tension, war, and disputes that occupy the headlines of our media. Melt any residual resistance lingering within us which causes us to neglect these and other needs that would occupy the compassion and concern of Christ. Lord, beyond these spoken prayers, be attentive to hear us in this silence as we offer any praises and petitions to you from our hearts … [opportunity for silent prayer] Lord God, we submit and release all these prayers to you in the powerful and transforming name of Christ our Lord. Amen! Commentary: Jesus' participation in the wedding of Cana (John 2:1–11) furnishes us with a rich collection of imagery and themes that can inspire our praying. A common thread which laces this prayer is that Epiphany is a season in which Jesus Christ comes to reveal that which is hidden and manifest the power and character of God. God of splendor and majesty, you surprise us again and again with your goodness and grace. Into the deep shadows and suffocating darkness of our world you have sent Jesus Christ as the light of the world. His liberating light redeems and frees us from that which imprisons us. Most excellent Lord, shine again on us with this radiance of Christ. Set us ablaze with your glory that others might know that we have been in your renewing presence. We pause in silence to acknowledge and speak the praises of our hearts for your promises and provisions to us…. Guiding Lord, our Scripture reminds us of our need to follow Christ so we might daily be in his light rather than lost in the temptations of the darkness. Create a yearning within us as individuals and as a church so that we might delight in your will and desire to follow your ways. Grant us this awareness whether we are at school, at work, at home, or in the community. Increase our consistency that our light might not flicker or fade but burn brightly for others to see. Merciful God, we seek your healing light to shine upon those who are facing surgery … or awaiting test results … or whose healing process is slower than expected….Overcome any fears of darkness with the laser light of Christ's presence and promises. Dispel the darkness for those who may doubt and wrestle with the hard questions of life. Gracious Lord, we cannot escape the responsibilities that are ours because we know your liberating light. Each day we are surrounded by many people who struggle and stumble in the darkness. May we not selfishly hoard the light but to willingly reflect it to others. May our speech and actions mirror your glory as we repeat Christ's wonderful story. Arouse our courage and revive our boldness that our efforts of ministry might be multiplied to spread the good name of Jesus to others. We also remember our missionaries scattered about the globe who serve as an extension of this congregation. Grant them the encouragement and support they need for the challenges that they face. We especially remember … at this time. Radiant Lord, we lift also the colleges, Bible schools, training programs, and seminaries which prepare future leaders for the church. May the various means of media be harnessed for your glory to faithfully communicate this redeeming light. Hear us, O God, as we listen in silence for your voice or present any additional concerns….We offer these prayers only in the strong and compassionate name of Jesus, the light of the world. Amen! Commentary: This prayer weaves together a number of passages that collect the common image of light. The major themes are derived from John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; and Ephesians 5:8. There are also echoes of Graham Kendrick's song, "Lord, the Light of Your Love" ("Shine, Jesus, Shine") that enhance and add color to this prayer.