On January 6, we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany. We retell the story in Matthew’s gospel of the Magi arriving in Bethlehem and presenting gifts for a king to Jesus as a baby. In the season that follows, we hear story after story of people recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. This time is characterized by revelation and mystery surrounding God’s new incarnate way of being with God’s people in Jesus.
Here are a few prayers that you can use in worship or at home to dwell in Epiphany. They include themes of light, revelation, gifts, journey, and realization appropriate for this day and season.
God of Surprises and Gifts
“God of surprises and gifts, you revealed yourself as a newborn baby and, with a star, you led the peoples of earth to worship Jesus, your only Son: lead us to see you face-to-face, and help us to discover our gifts and talents so that we may offer them up to you and your service. Let us be Jesus’s light in the world today. Amen.”
Common Prayer for Children and Families by Jennifer Gamber and Timothy J. S. Seamans, p. 62
Let Your Bright Star Stand
“Jesus, light of the world, let your bright star stand over the place where the poor have to live; lead our sages to wisdom and our rulers to reverence. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.”
A New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 565
May We Follow Stars
“O God Among Us, may we be visited by angels, may we follow stars, may we bring the gifts we have to offer. May we embrace the journey and travel in love. May Christ bless our homes and find a home in our hearts throughout the year. Amen.”
“What Does This Season Mean? Handout for Epiphany at Home” by Jennifer McNally and Anna V. Ostenso Moore
May We Know Wholeness
“Jesus, you revealed yourself to the world so that all people might look to you and be saved: may we know the wholeness that you bring. Be our light in the darkness that we may not stumble, and lift us up again if we fall; all this we ask in your name. Amen.”
Daily Prayer for All Seasons, p. 55
Transform Our Hearts
“O God of steadfast love, at the wedding in Cana, your Son Jesus turned water into wine, delighting all who were there: Transform our hearts by your Spirit, that we may use our gifts to show forth the light of your love as one body in Christ. Amen.”
Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, p. 56
Additional Resources
- “A Prayer for Epiphany” from To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig
- “For Those Who Have Far to Travel: A Blessing for Epiphany” from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons by Jan Richardson (available on her website along with other Epiphany blessings)
- “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” from Hymnal 1982 (lyrics available on hymnary.org)
- “The Third Song of Isaiah” (Isaiah 60:1-3, 11a, 14c, 18-19) from The Book of Common Prayer, p. 87
Featured image is by Xavier Coiffic on Unsplash
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