O Star-Flinging God: An Epiphany Prayer

O Star-flinging God,

whose light dances across eternity,

     dazzle us into your presence

     this new year.

Open our hearts to the mystery of your love.

Awaken us to your presence,

     knit to the ordinary.

Reveal to us what is possible, but not yet present.

Heal us, that we might be healers.

Reconcile us to you and to ourselves,

     that our living might be reconciling.

Stop us often, we pray

     with news that is good

     with hope that holds

     with truth that transforms with a Word

          tailored to this trail we're on.

May the word of your grace guide our steps

     like the sun by day

     and the north star by night,

     as we travel into the gift of a new year. Amen.

                                                     

— written by Glenn Mitchell, and posted on MINemergent’s Daily Communique. 

Call to Worship: Baptism of Christ

Here’s a call to worship for the first Sunday after Epiphany (traditionally known as the Baptism of Christ). It was written by Caela Wood, Pastor at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Manhattan, Kansas.

Call to Worship

for the first Sunday of Epiphany

(inspired by Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:4-11, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22)

The heavens open. The Spirit descends.

Jesus emerges from the water.

And a voice echoes through the blue expanse.

"This is my child, the Beloved, with whom I am well-pleased."

Jesus is named. Claimed.

We come to the water. We remember we are named. Claimed.

Can it be so? What a thing to be named. Claimed.

Let us worship the one who names and claims us still.

~ written by Caela Wood, Pastor at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manhattan, Kansas.

Epiphany Blessing

Here is a blessing for the Epiphany season from Jan Richardson’s The Painted Prayerbook website.

Epiphany Blessing

“He is my chosen one, and I am pleased with him.

I have put my Spirit upon him.

He will reveal justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:1

May the path

that Christ walks

to bring justice

upon the earth,

to bring light

to those who sit

in darkness,

to bring out those

who live in bondage,

to bring new things

to all creation:

may this path

run through our life.

May we be

the road Christ takes.

~ written by Jan L. Richardson, and posted on The Painted Prayerbook. http://paintedprayerbook.com/

Epiphany Prayer: Christ of the South

Here’s a prayer for the first Sunday after Epiphany Sunday from the Christian Aid website. It was adapted from “Invocation to the Christ of the Four Directions” (South, West, North, East), written by Suzanne Fageol.

 

Prayer for Epiphany

 

We call upon the Christ of the South:

You, who in fresh youth were drawn, unsated,

to grow in wisdom in the temple. 
You, who grew in stature as you grew in spiritual strength, 
You, who through abiding trust in your Father,

taught others to trust in you, 
You, who transformed fish and bread

into a midday meal for thousands, 
You, who at a wedding,

led many to shed old skins of self

as you shed old wine skins for new wine, 
You, who, in parable, planted abundant energy

in those who truly listened, 
You, who in healing touch and word,

brought wholeness to the ill and broken.

As the warm south wind caresses the summer, 
O Christ of the South:

Enter our hearts and heal us. 
Grow us back to laughter, trust and innocence. 
Warm our souls with gentleness, 
refresh our wilted wills, 
Cultivate in us new green, growing aspects to our lives. 
reconnect us to the web of life.

O Christ of the South, cultivator of souls, 
we call upon you. Amen.

~ adapted from “Invocation to the Christ of the Four Directions” written by Suzanne Fageol. Posted on the Monthly Prayers page (now Weekly Worship) of the Christian Aid website. https://www.christianaid.org.uk/churches/weekly-worship

Blessing after Baptism

Here is a post-baptism blessing from the Third Space website.

Blessing after Baptism

May the blessing of the three-in-one God be yours.

May the Spirit bless you with hope

poured out like water and flowing as the river.

May Jesus bless you with discomfort

at injustice and oppression.

May the Creator who holds the Earth

as an artist holds brush and palette

fill your imagination

so that you always find the world inspiring and wonderful.

May God in whose being beauty shines on you

journey with you.

God says to you, “you are my beloved,

Be blessed this day and always.”

~ posted on Third Space. http://third-space.org.uk/

Reflection: Baptism of Christ

Here’s a prayer reflection inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the first Sunday after Epiphany (traditionally known as the Baptism of Christ). It was written by Thom Schuman, and posted on Prayers4Today.

 

Still Waters

(inspired by Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:4-11, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22)

 

like water skimmers, 
we simply glide along 
the smooth facade of our lives, 
till you come running up, 
diving right in, 
coming up with rivulets 
caressing your big grin, 
as you splash water 
in our eyes so we can 
see; 

we drift along 
just below the surface, 
occasionally coming up for air, 
hoping you cannot spy us 
hiding in the shadowed pools, 
but you step in 
with your waders on, 
tying the special fly 
the Spirit made for you, 
casting, casting, casting, 
again and again, 
until we take that first bite 
of your grace 
and we are hooked; 

throwing caution to the wind, 
you drive out onto our frozen souls, 
setting up the shack, 
chipping through the ice, 
dropping your line in the hole, 
patiently waiting 
(while you pass the bread 
and bottle around 
with your two buddies) 
to pull us into 
the warmth of your heart. 

~ written by Thom M. Shuman, copyright  © 2014 Thom M. Shuman.  Posted on Prayers 4 Today. http://prayersfortoday.blogspot.ca/ 

Call to Worship: Kneeling in the Darkness

Here’s an Advent or Epiphany call to worship from Christine Sine, and the GodSpace website.

Call to Worship

Let us kneel in the darkness,
Until we see God’s light emerge.
Let us wait with hope filled hearts,
As Christ’s image grows within us and shows us life.
Let him speak to us and teach us love,
Until we open our hearts to be his home.

~ written by Christine Sine (2012), and posted on GodSpace. http://godspace.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/prayers-for-the-journey-advent-prayers-for-the-week/

Confession of Faith: Baptism of Jesus

Here’s an affirmation of faith inspired by the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

A Creed

(inspired by Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-23,

Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3-6)

I believe in God

who speaks through the prophets

and lifts our gaze up to high and beautiful paths and peaks.

I believe in Christ Jesus,

free of corruption yet willingly numbered among the sinners,

baptised in the waters of the Jordan.

I believe in the Spirit

who rested on Jesus like a dove,

and who inspired him with such love

as the world has not seen before or since.

I believe that those who are baptised into Christ

shall share his Spirit, his mission

and his ultimate victory over sin and death.

I believe that there is no human ability that cannot be enlarged,

and no weakness that cannot be used by Christ to the praise of God.

I believe that this believing is a gift from God,

not to be used for self-gratification

but for the building up of the church

and for humble service the world

I believe in myself as a baptised child of God,

the recipient of a healing grace

which precedes and supersedes all my efforts to be true.

With the help of God,

I will attempt to live my belief all the days of my life,

and by his grace, dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocA/10BAPTIS.htm

Prayer for Others: Epiphany

Here’s a prayer of intercession for the Epiphany season.  It comes from the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website.

Prayer of Intercession for Epiphany

Child of Bethlehem and King of Kings,
you received the adoration of the Magi who came from Eastern lands.

Pour your blessing on the rulers of the nations
and with your perfect light
guide those who live according to the great faiths of the world. Amen.

Jesus, Word of God and Light of the World,
you revealed your glory at the wedding feast at Cana.

Bless us with your healing presence
and transform our proud and stubborn ways
with the new wine of your grace
and bring us with your saints
to the joyful feast of your eternal kingdom. Amen

Son of God and Son of Mary, you received your baptism from John
and you invited your disciples to receive the Holy Spirit.

Pour your grace upon all the baptized
and grant that we may work together for the justice and peace
which belong to your kingdom. Amen.

~ posted on the website of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. http://www.ctbi.org.uk/HB/401

Epiphany Confession: Baptism of Our Lord

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by the baptism of Jesus by John.  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Prayer of Confession

(Inspired by Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Epiphany 1C, Luke 3:21-23)

We are incredibly stubborn, O Lord.

We have entered the season

in which Your Light has been given to the world,

your blessings have been poured out on the world,

and yet all we can think about is our own problems,

our own needs, our own desires.

Help us to desire you, Lord.

Help us to yearn for your presence.

Pour your baptismal waters over us again,

cleansing us from our self-pity and arrogance.

Nourish and heal us so that we may joyfully serve you.

Wash away our jealousy, greed,

and all negative thoughts and behaviors

that stand in the way of our truly being

the people you have called us to be.

Again let us receive the blessings offered in creation,

in the birth and baptism of Jesus,

and in the ministry of the saints of light.

We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

The love of God is always offered to us,

freely, joyfully, for all eternity.

Rejoice, dear friends,

this is the Good News of our Lord. Amen.

~ posted on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/worship/article/entry/4549/worship-connection-january-12-2014

Pastoral Prayer: Baptism of Christ

Here’s a prayer from Rev. Abi for the Sunday after Epiphany (Year A)—the Baptism of the Lord.  It is inspired by Isaiah 42: 1-9 and Matthew 3: 13-17.

Pastoral Prayer

(inspired by Isaiah 42:1-9, Matthew 3:13-17)

God who shows no partiality,
show your favoritism on all your people.
Send forth your justice for all to see.
Save us your people.
Empower us to preach and testify to your great love and mercy.

God who makes and keeps covenant with your people,
You called us to be a light to the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to set the prisoners free,
Help us to answer your call that these things come to pass.

God of grace and glory,
We pray for those who suffer from pains and sorrows.
We pray for those whose hearts are broken.
We pray for those whose families are fractured.
We pray for those whose lives are ravaged by war.
We pray for those who struggle with poverty, and starvation
We pray for our brother and sisters in Christ

who are being martyred and tortured for their beliefs.

Thank you for hearing our prayers.
Thank you for pouring out your Spirit on your son
and pouring your spirit out on us too.
May we too hear you say to us this day that

“This is my son, my daughter, the Beloved,

with whom I am well pleased.”
Amen

~ written by Rev Abi, and posted on the RevGalBlogPals website. http://revgalblogpals.org/2011/01/09/sunday-prayer-for-baptism-of-christ-a/

Collect: Baptism of Our Lord

Eternal Father,

at the baptism of Jesus

you revealed him to be your Son,

and anointed him with the Holy Spirit,

Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit

faithful to their calling as your people;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

~ posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/18473/12_January_2014.pdf

Prayers of the People: Baptism of Our Lord

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River.  It was written by Rick Pryce.

Prayer of Intercession

(inspired by Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-23)

Celebrating the coming of the One who brings the reign of God to all people, let us pray for the world God loves, the Church God calls, and all people according to their needs, saying, Lord, in your mercy, and responding, Hear our prayer.

God of light and darkness,

through water and Word

you shine your light into the darkness of our lives. 

We give thanks for this incredible gift. 

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

God of love and hate,

your love comes in spite of our animosity;

you bring reconciliation to those who are divided. 

We pray for better relations between Canada and its native peoples. 

Strengthen us to be peacemakers. 

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

God of hope and fear,

you walk with us through the challenges which surround us. 

Wash away our anxiety by your promised presence,

and set us free from despair.  Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

God of church and world,

in baptism you unify yourself with our world,

and bring your reign into being. 

Keep us from seeing your love as a hiding place. 

Motivate us to infuse the world with your justice.  Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

God of health and illness,

there is nothing that separates us from your love. 

Inspire us to bring your health to the sick,

your encouragement to the discouraged,

your promise to the dying,

especially those we name before you now.
[Long pause]
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

God of life and death,

all that exists is from you, and for you. 

Enable us to trust your baptismal promise,

and serve this hurting world. 

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

God who shines in the darkness,

receive these prayers and the prayers of our hearts,

in the name of the one who is your light,

Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

~ written by Rick Pryce, and posted on Rick Pryce. http://rickpryce.wordpress.com/

Prayers of the People: New Year

Here’s a prayer of dedication and intercession for the New Year. It was written by Rev. Ian Elston.

Prayers of Dedication and Intercession

Lord our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We give you thanks and praise and we dedicate to you our offering.

In this we also dedicate the workings of our hands,

the thinking of our minds,

and the loving of our hearts.

May each be used for the glory of your kingdom,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord God, as we move forward into a new year,

we ask you to bless all for whom the year is not being looked forward to.

We think of people who are ill and fearful of what the year will bring.

We think of all who have family difficulties

and are concerned as to how to solve them.

We think of all for whom the new year is bringing money problems,

and all who are fearful for their jobs.

Lord, for us all the future is unknown—

help us to have the faith to trust in you,

the wisdom to do the right thing,

and to be guided by you constantly.

Remind us, Lord, that you always keep your promises;

remind us too that they are kept in your time and not ours.

We ask your blessing on all who have turned their back on You;

or who have not known You.

May they hear your word and respond to your love

Be with those who are lost,

who have never known you.

Help them to seek and find the peace and love found in you and you alone.

Father God—Loving God—we, your children, pray to you

And give you thanks and praise

through the name of your beloved Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Heavenly Father we bring before you our loved ones,

and in the silence we pray for them.

For our family,

our friends, 

for all whom we know.

May this year be good for all whom we love,

Lord God, guide us in our lives.

May others see your love shine through us.

May our words and actions constantly point to you;

may we put You first in everything

and serve You always.

We ask you to be with us

and give us a year where we know and feel and are guided by your presence.

Whatever the year holds may we never lose sight of you.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~ written by Rev. Ian Elston, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/18473/12_January_2014.pdf

Call to Worship, Prayer: Baptism of Jesus

Here’s an opening call to worship and prayer inspired by the baptism of Jesus by John.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Isaiah 42:1-9, Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-23)

Today we celebrate a special baptism;

the baptism of Jesus of Nazareth.

God says:

Look! See my chosen servant,

the One in whom I utterly delight;

I have placed my Spirit on him,

he will bring true justice to the nations.

When Jesus was baptised, the heavens opened up,

and Spirit came down like a dove;

and there was a voice from heaven saying:

“This is my dearly loved Son,

with whom I am delighted.”

The joy of the Lord be with you all.

And also with you.

Opening Prayer

Most wonderful God,

foolish and flawed though we are,

we too delight in your beloved Son.

As in his name we gather in the house of many praises,

may the heavens be opened for us,

that we may catch a glimpse of that Light and Love

that transforms our common days

with a beauty not of our making. 

Through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocA/10BAPTIS.htm

Prayer: Baptism of Jesus

God of grace and glory,

you call us with your voice of flame

to be your people, faithful and courageous.

As your beloved Son embraced his mission

in the waters of baptism,

inspire us with the fire of your Spirit

to join in his transforming work.

We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

~ from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Posted on Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Confession: Epiphany 1 C

Here’s a prayer of confession from the Ministry Matters website inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the first Sunday after Epiphany, Year C. 

 

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Isaiah 43, Psalm 29, Luke 3)

 

Creator of the universe,
we stand amazed at your power and glory.
We are eager to worship you and offer our praise,
but we are often reluctant to answer
when we hear you calling our name.
We sing our songs of tribute in the sanctuary,
but shy away from the river,
lest we be baptized
with the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Forgive us when we forget your promise
to be with us always, O God.
Renew us with the power of your ever-present love,
and strengthen us to proclaim your justice
throughout the world. Amen.

 

Words of Assurance

(Isaiah 43:1)

Hear the words of our creator,
spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“I have called you by name.
You are mine. Do not fear,
for I have redeemed you.”

~ posted on the Ministry Matters website by Laura Jaquith Bartlett. http://www.ministrymatters.com/  

Prayers of the People for Epiphany

Here’s a prayer of intercession from Rick Morley’s Garden Path blog.  Visit his site for other lectionary-based worship resources and reflections.

 

Prayers of the People for All Epiphany

Let us pray to God, who is made manifest in Jesus Christ.

As the prophet Isaiah rang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come”;

empower your Church, O God,

to ring out the Good News of the Light of your son Jesus,

which pierces even the deepest darkness.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As a star rose high into the nighttime sky

to draw the nations to the Christ-child;

send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation,

and draw the whole world to your peace and truth.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As John the Baptist guided throngs of people to the edge of the wilderness

and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan,

we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders

to the ways of justice and righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Like the Magi who traveled from afar

to bring gifts and celebrate the Savior’s birth;

we pray for this community,

and for those who celebrate their own birthdays and anniversaries;

especially _______.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As Jesus climbed the mountaintop,

and proclaimed blessings on the people of the world;

we pray for the sick and the distressed, the poor and the lame.

We especially pray for _____.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him;

we pray for those we love and who have answered your call

to follow Jesus to your Heavenly Kingdom. Give them your peace.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, Light of the World,

hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light,

that the places of darkness in our world would be pierced by your Light,

and that all nations would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy. Amen.

~ written by Rick Morley, and posted on A Garden Path. http://www.rickmorley.com/

Confession: Living for Ourselves

Here’s a prayer of confession written by Rev. Mindi for the first Sunday after Epiphany, Year C.  It is inspired by the promises of God in Isaiah 43.

 

Prayer of Brokenness/Confession

God who Delivers and Redeems,

we have failed to live into the promise of new life.

We have been afraid to enter troubled waters

   to help the poor and downtrodden.

We have been afraid to walk with those

   burned by the system of sin and oppression.

We have sought ease and comfort

   in exchange for ignoring the hungry and sick in our world.

Forgive us when we have seen our faith in such narrowness,

   thinking of only our own salvation.

Forgive us when we have not lived for others,  

when we have not been willing to risk ourselves for the sake of others.

Call us into new life,

a life that is lived in the promise of Your love for the whole world.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Blessing/Assurance of Pardon

In the darkness, light shines.

In the midst of troubled waters, a hand reaches out.

We are not alone on this journey of faith.

When we seek God, we shall find God.

God forgives, renews, and restores—

let us go forth and do the work of God. Amen.

 

~ written by Rev. Mindi and posted on her Rev-o-lution website. http://rev-o-lution.org/