Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1–2 | Ephesians 3:1–2 |
Psalm 72:1–2, 10–14 | Matthew 2:1–2 |
OPENING WORDS / CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine; for your light has come. | Isa. 60:1–3 |
The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
Come, worship the Lord of glory.
Proclaim God’s praise among the nations.
CALL TO CONFESSION
In the light of Christ,
we see the shadows of our world and of our hearts.
Trusting in God’s grace,
let us confess our sins before God and one another.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God,
Ps. 72:1–7, 10–14
you have given light to the world in Jesus Christ,
but we have preferred to live in darkness.
Your justice protects the weak and the distressed,
yet we seek the shelter of privilege and power.
Your righteousness redeems the poor and the needy,
yet we seek the status of wealth and possessions.
Your peace upholds the oppressed and the defenseless,
yet we seek the security of weapons and retribution.
Forgive us our sins, and lead us to true repentance,
that we may trust you in all things;
through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
This is the good news:
Christ is the light of the world,
who grants forgiveness and healing of our sins.
Thanks be to God.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God, you placed a star in the sky
Matt. 2:1–2
to draw wise folk to the place of Christ’s nativity.
There you revealed the mystery
of your eternal purpose for all humanity:
God made flesh, born of Mary,
opening to all the world the promise you made
to Abraham and Sarah.
Empower your church to be as the light of the star,
that we may draw the world
to the glory of Christ, our Lord, through whom we pray. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Spirit of God,
in the proclamation of your Word,
reveal to us the hidden mystery of your love in Christ,
and strengthen our faith
that we may approach you with boldness. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
In confidence let us pray to the Lord, saying,
God of Wisdom, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.
Loving God,
Through Christ you call us all
into your covenant with Abraham and Sarah.
For your church throughout the world,
that it may be a faithful witness,
declaring your wisdom to all authorities: | Eph. 3:10 |
God of Wisdom, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.
The wise men came to King Herod in trust,
but he betrayed their trust and perpetrated unspeakable evil.
For the leaders of the government,
that they reject the way of Herod
and exercise their authority in truth, justice, and mercy:
God of Mercy, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled before the wrath of Herod
and became refugees in Egypt.
For all those who suffer from political oppression,
injustice, or war, and especially for refugees:
God of Justice, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.
Joseph dreamed a future for his son,
and obeyed your will for his family.
For all families that they may live in peace
according to your will,
God of Peace, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.
The Holy Family lived with neighbors,
and received help from strangers.
For our neighborhoods,
that they may be communities of human flourishing,
offering kindness to strangers,
God of Harmony, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, Gracious God,
and grant us to live as heirs of your promise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFE...