Faith & Worship Faith & Worship

Prayers for Epiphany


A selection of prayers for the season of Epiphany

Jesus, light of the worldIn Christianity, the Epiphany refers to a realization that Christ is the Son of God.

Western churches generally celebrate the Visit of the Magi as the revelation of the Incarnation of the infant Christ, and commemorate the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.

Traditionally, Eastern churches, following the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar, have celebrated Epiphany (or Theophany) in conjunction with Christ's baptism by John the Baptist and celebrated it on January 19; however, other Eastern churches have adopted the Western Calendar and celebrate it on January 6.

Some Protestant churches often celebrate Epiphany as a season, extending from the last day of Christmas until either Ash Wednesday, or the Feast of the Presentation on February 2nd.




The story is out! Jesus Christ, Light of the World has been born to dispel the darkness that covers its people. God’s glory appears in human form. Life on earth will never be the same again!

Father God, the star that led the Magi to the stable announced to the world that its Saviour was born. Today we live in a world that is still covered by darkness, and still needing to make that journey to the stable door. May our lives reflect your light day by day, as we seek to serve where you have placed us. That we might be the means through which others can encounter Jesus Christ. Amen





Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come!
Darkness covers the earth and its people,
but the radiance of God's Light
burns away its shadows,
illuminates the smallest corner,
and heralds in the start
of a new dawn,
where hearts no longer fear,
souls might be set free,
and sister shall follow brother,
nation shall follow nation,
and kings and princes bow down in awe
before the one who comes to reign.
Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come!
Alleluia!



 


We are drawn to your feet in worship
Your creation facing its creator
Hearts laid bare by your light
Humbly asking for your mercy.
We come to you as a people in need
of assurance and forgiveness.
We come to you as a people in need
of healing and wholeness.
We come dependent upon your love.
Draw us close.
Enfold us in your arms.
Fill us with your Spirit
that we might reflect your light
within this dark world,
speak your Word with boldness
and draw others to your feet.
We ask this through your dear Son Jesus Christ.
Amen






For those who seek a Saviour
we lead them to the Stable
To the One who was born
To bring freedom
Forgiveness
Liberty
For those who seek Assurance
we lead them to the Light
To the One who opens eyes
to understanding
God's Word
Truth
For those who seek Forgiveness
We lead them to a Grace
beyond comprehension
To wholeness
Healing
Peace.







We forget sometimes that the Jesus whose birth we celebrated at Christmas spent many years growing up in a small Jewish family, growing wiser and stronger, learning a trade, waiting for his moment. Waiting for the pieces of the bigger picture to fall into place, when he would enter the waters of the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descend on him and that voice come from heaven proclaiming, "You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight."

Father God, as we join together in worship let us not forget your infinite patience and love in dealing with your people, of which we count ourselves. Use us in your service, that we might draw others into your kingdom. To your praise and glory we ask this. Amen.





(based on Isaiah 43:1-7)

The God who breathed this world alive
And sustains it day by day
Whose hands flung stars into space
And controls our destiny
Says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
The God who filled the ocean depths
And set tides on their way
Who caused mountains to be raised up
And rainbows to display
Says, “I have called you by name, you are mine.”
The God who made the fertile earth
And seed within to sow
Whose artistry creates butterflies
And the early morning dew
Says, “You are precious in my sight.”






Your majesty is beyond
imagination
The eternal King
high and lifted up
to whom the angels worship.
Your power is beyond
understanding
The Creator God
who shakes the heavens
yet holds us in his hands.
Your mercy is beyond
our deserving
The Saviour God
once born for us
now sacrificed in love.
Forgive the smallness
of our faith
the magnitude
of our need,
the depth
of our sorrow.
Raise us up to new life
and new ways of service
through Jesus Christ
Your Son, our Lord. Amen





For John the Baptist
preparing the way by repentance and baptism
we thank you
For Jesus Christ
proclaimed your Son by water and Spirit
we thank you
For Good News
that Salvation has come to the earth
we thank you
For your love
undeserved and graciously given
we thank you
For the Holy Spirit
transforming and empowering lives
we thank you
For your promise
of an eternity in which to praise you
we thank you





In our worship today let us remember that the love of God for his people and for his church knows no limits. The Psalmist talks of God’s love reaching up to the heavens and his justice to the depth of the ocean, and yet he blesses us as individuals with the gifts of his Spirit so that his Church, his people might be a light in this place, to his glory.

Father God, we bring our offering of worship and with it the service of our lives through this coming week. May we go from this place knowing that we have met with you and been blessed by your Spirit, to live and work to your glory. Amen





God whose love reaches to the highest heavens
how can we keep silent?
God whose righteousness stands like the tallest mountain
how can we keep silent?
God whose justice is deeper than any ocean
how can we keep silent?
God whose grace flows like a never-ending river
how can we keep silent?
How can we not proclaim your majesty
from generation to generation?
How can we not raise the lamp of your Salvation
for all the world to see?
God whose love reaches to the highest heavens
we praise your mighty name!






We pray for confidence
to share your Word with others
and for the opportunity to proclaim it.
Forgive our reluctance,
our timidity.
We pray for wisdom
to know what should be said
and the moment in which to say it.
Forgive our reticence,
our anxiety.
We pray for knowledge
of the fullness of your Grace
and the willingness to live it.
Forgive our ignorance,
our self-reliance.
Be the centre of all we are
The Light by which we walk
The blessing we bring to others
Through Jesus Christ alone we ask. Amen






You have gifted the Church
through the goodness of your Grace
to be your hands and do your work,
to be your voice and share your words,
to bring healing to a fallen world
and broken lives make whole.
You have gifted your people
with the blessings of your Spirit,
the power to transform lives
and make all things new.
Now may our hearts receive,
our mouths proclaim,
our hands prepare for service,
that the love that we have known
might overflow the lives we live
and pour into the hearts of others,
that all might receive your Grace,
your renewing Spirit and your love. Amen






Lord God, we are here today to offer to you our sacrifice of worship. We are here to listen to your Word, to bring to you the concerns of our hearts, and to join together in fellowship. Speak to us; through Scripture, hymns, prayer and silence. Grant us ears to hear, hearts to listen, and lives prepared to do your will. Amen





L: The heavens declare your glory
A: And the skies proclaim your handiwork

Morning sun and moon by night
The light and warmth that fuels our life
L: The heavens declare your glory
A: And the skies proclaim your handiwork

Rolling hills and mountain peak
Flowing stream and ocean deep
L: The heavens declare your glory
A: And the skies proclaim your handiwork

Thunder’s roar and breeze’s whisper
Creation sings to its Creator
L: The heavens declare your glory
A: And the skies proclaim your handiwork



 


You speak to us in many ways,
through rushing wind
or still small voice,
in Scripture’s Word
or through your Grace
and we in turn find many ways,
to hear the world’s
insistent voice
break through the silence
and take your place.
Forgive our sin.
Help us hear your voice
above the clamour of this world,
recognise the difference
and follow only you. Amen





Generous God, for all that sustains us;
air to breath, warmth and light,
food to eat, water to drink,
we offer our thanks and praise.
For spiritual gifts that bind us together;
one people, one body
empowered for service
we offer our hands and voices.
For the Good News of the Gospel;
healing and wholeness
freedom and justice
we offer our hearts in service. Amen






You have loved us from the moment we were conceived, and your love has brought us to this place today. Bless us in our meeting together, our worship, in the understanding of your word and in our going out into the world. Through our words and lives might others be drawn into the arms of your love, and the whole world begin to sing your praises. Amen






This world and all within it
is part of your glorious plan,
devised and created in love
for your people to enjoy.
Such divine mystery;
Such wonder;
that you should consider
humankind so precious
and provide for our needs.
God of all, our creator,
our rock, our refuge,
our confidence and hope,
our rescuer and deliverer,
in whom we can rely,
we will praise your name today
and all days. Amen.





Forgive us, Lord
when we are struggling with life,
searching for answers in vain,
relying on our own strength
and failing again.
Remind us, Lord
that you are the strength
upon whom we can call,
the power to endure,
the answer that we seek,
the one in whose arms
we can safely fall.
Forgive us, Lord
when we forget.





Your love
flows like a stream
into the ocean of your Grace.
Your love
encircles this world,
displays your faithfulness.
Your love
is patient and kind,
brings wholeness and true peace.
Your love
is all we desire
to heal our brokenness.
As all things pass
and fade away
love remains
eternally







Reveal yourself, Gracious God, within this time of worship. Speak to us through songs we sing, prayers we speak, words we hear.
Reveal yourself Gracious God, within your family here. In our speaking and listening, tears and laughter, love that’s shared.
Reveal yourself, Gracious God, within these coming days. In the places we live, the lives we live, people we meet.
Amen





This earth, full of your glory,
praises your name
through unspoken words of beauty and peace,
reveals your love
through hand of stranger and gift of grace.
This earth, full of your glory,
praises your provision
through living water and food to eat,
reveals your Word
through daily blessings and breath of life.
This earth, full of your glory,
praises your name.






When we have failed to recognise your love
in the actions of friend or stranger
forgive us.
When we have failed to recognise your presence
in the world in which we live
forgive us.
When we have failed to remember your gospel
in our actions, thoughts and words
forgive us.
(pause)
Renew our hearts in worship,
our minds in wisdom
and our hands in service.
Take our lives and use them,
as a sacrifice of love.





You challenge us to follow you;
not by staying as we are
but by stepping out in faith,
casting our net into deeper water
as with Simon Peter, fisherman.
You challenge us to trust you
and be prepared for all
eventualities,
even when the load is heavy
and we struggle to succeed.
But with your challenge comes
blessing.
Flimsy nets are filled,
broken lives made whole.
From emptiness
to abundance.
Thank you for your challenge
Grant us courage to follow. Amen




 


Wherever Jesus went crowds flocked to be near him, and even today we gather together to hear his words, to sing his praises and to learn more about our Saviour. Be with us Lord, in our singing, our prayers and our meditation. As we meet with you today, bless us, that we might become a blessing for others. Amen






You are our fortress
Our defender
Protector from the storm
The one in whom we take refuge.
You are our foundation
Our solid rock
In whom our confidence rests.
You are Justice
Compassion
Peace
And Love
You are
Everything .





When faith is tested to the limit
and we stumble
forgive us.
When feet stray from the path
and we wander
forgive us.
When our neighbour is in need
and we pass by
forgive us.
When the voices of this world
drown out your whisper
forgive us.
When love draws us to your feet
in repentance
forgive us.






For love that offers refreshment
to all who drink of it
Light to all who walk in it
Strength to all who hope in it
Healing to all who have need if it
Wholeness to all who live in it
This is the God we serve
The God we worship
The God we proclaim
This day and all days
with our words and our lives.





God of yesterday, today and forever, we thank you for your loving care, protection and strength. As Joseph, once abandoned into slavery, was able with confidence to state that every part of his life was lived according to your will, so we ask that the whole of our lives might be testament to your eternal love, mercy and grace. Amen






Alpha and Omega
Beginning and end
of all things
Creator
Sustainer
Provider
In your name we gather
At your feet we bow.
Shield and defender
Tower of refuge
for the weary
Deliverer
Redeemer
Forgiver
In your name we worship
At your feet we bow.





Let us be still before the Lord
Rest quietly in his presence
Listen
(Pause)
Let us bring before the Lord
the words that may have hurt
and all those left unsaid;
the anger we have felt
and resentment we have fed.
Let us be still before the Lord
Rest quietly in his presence
Listen
(Pause)
The Lord is slow to anger
Willing to forgive
Full of Grace.
Draw near to him
Rest quietly in his presence
Listen.





God the Father
Creator and sustainer
Delighting in the lives of all
who live in grateful obedience to your will,
we bring to you the thanks offering of our hearts.
God the Son
Saviour and redeemer
Welcoming all who in humility
come to you willingly as servants and disciples
we bring to you the thanks offering of our hands
God the Spirit
Power and supporter
Living water flowing into all
who are open to the possibility of new birth
we bring to you the thanks offering of our lives






Your Word is
truth
for victims of injustice,
light
for all who cannot see,
love
where there is hatred,
freedom
for the oppressed.
Your Word is
healing
where there is sickness,
comfort
in times of sorrow,
mercy
where there is humility,
hope
for eternity.





God of Grace
forgive our ingratitude
for the blessings we have received.
Help us live the lives we proclaim.
God of Peace
forgive our impatience
with the actions of our neighbour.
Help us live the lives we proclaim.
God of love
forgive our intolerance
toward those of other faiths or none.
Help us live the lives we proclaim.
God of mercy
forgive our reluctance
to offer a word of forgiveness.
Help us live the lives we proclaim.
God of hope
accept our repentance
as a sweet-smelling offering
along with the service of our lives. Amen





Almighty Father, beginning and end of all we are
and the hope to which we cling,
it is to you alone we bring our sacrifice of praise.
Jesus Christ, Word of God becoming flesh,
in whose footsteps we now tread,
it is to your feet that we humbly bow in service.
Holy Spirit, creating breath and life to all,
a living presence within our hearts,
it is in your power that we can do all things.
Father,Son and Spirit
Three in One
Be the unity between our lives,
the light by which we see
and the rock upon which we walk
today and all days. Amen





How can we not sing your praise
with heart and soul
and proclaim your name
throughout the world?
God of creation,
Awesome in power,
Sustainer,
Provider,
Saviour,
Father of all,
there is none like you!
How can we not declare your glory
through all that we are,
and proclaim your name
throughout this world?






By your Grace
we are forgiven,
in your peace
our lives are lived.
By your touch
we know healing,
in your strength
are we made whole.
When this is forgotten,
our focus on self,
your face obscured,
forgive and restore.
Take our mustard seed of faith
and let it grow,
take root
and blossom
in our hearts and lives.
Through our Saviour
Jesus Christ
and in no other name
do we ask this. Amen






You are our strength,
the light by which we walk,
the truth by which we talk.
You are our hope,
the promise to which we hold,
the story that must be told.
You are the peace
this world cannot provide,
that overcomes our pride.
You are our God,
the One whose name we praise
to whom our hands are raised. Amen





We meet today, Lord God, not as in the days of Moses when a physical barrier, the veil, separated the people from your presence, but in the sure knowledge that when your Son died on the Cross for us, the curtain of the temple was torn in two to grant us access to the holiest place.
It is in this confidence that we approach your throne with our sacrifice of worship, and ask no more than that you will bless us with your presence, draw close to us and enable us to know you more. Amen





Awesome One, creator of all,
the light of your glory
fills the heavens,
the breath of your Spirit
blows through the skies,
stars above stand silent witness
to the power of our God.
By your word all things were made.
By your breath are all things sustained.
By your hand we were moulded
as a potter caresses the clay,
formed from earthly dust
into an image of the divine.
By your Grace we stand here,
your creation worshiping its creator
with this our sacrifice of praise.





You are the everything we desire,
the everything we do not deserve.
You are the love we have yet to find,
the peace beyond imagining.
You are the breath of life
enlivening the hardest heart.
You are the vibrant colour
illuminating the darkest dawn.
You are the truth that calls
in quiet whisper and through storm.
You are the precious moment
we reach out and touch the divine.
For those days when we forget,
forgive us.
When life distracts and focus shifts
forgive us.
When self imposes its own will
forgive us.
When our praise and worship fail to please
forgive us.
Embrace us once again, we pray
in sweet and loving fellowship with you. Amen.





Where your love resides
there is wholeness,
Where your peace inhabits
there is harmony,
Where your Spirit lives
there is freedom.
God of gentle whisper
cooling breeze
and sweet perfume,
infuse our lives
with all that is good
and pure and holy,
and we shall be a
fragrant offering
wherever you might need us. Amen





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©John Birch · Prayers written by the author may be copied freely for worship. If reproduced elsewhere please acknowledge author/website
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