Proper Prayers for Epiphany A (6 January 2020)

The Feast of the Epiphany may be celebrated on the Sunday before Epiphany or on the day itself.  These prayers may be used on Sunday, 5 January 2020.

Proper Prayers for RCL Christmas 2

Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12

Collect of the Day

Eternal God, who by a star led wise men/the magi to the worship of your Son.  Guide by your light the nations of the earth, that/so that the whole world may know your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star.  Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Almighty and ever-living God, you revealed the incarnation of your Son by the brilliant shining of a star.  Shine the light of your justice always in our hearts and over all lands, and accept our lives as the treasure we offer in your praise and for your service, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Everlasting God, the radiance of all faithful people, you brought the nations to the brightness of your rising.  Fill the world with your glory, and show yourself to all the world through him who is the true light and the bright morning star, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Creator of the heavens, who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child:  guide and sustain us, so that we may find our journey’s end in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendour.  The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the darkness that covers the earth and signals the dawn of peace and justice.  Make radiant the lives of your people with that same brightness, and beckon all nations to walk as one in your light.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

or

Shepherd of Israel and Light of all Nations, made known in the gifts of those who call to other names and walk on different ways:  may unjust powers and the hatred within us be dismayed by your friendship and dethroned by your love; through Jesus Christ, the open arms of grace.  Amen.  [5]

or

O God of light and peace, whose glory, shining in the child of Bethlehem, still draws the nations to yourself:  dispel the darkness that shrouds our path, that/so that we may come to kneel before Christ in true worship, offer him our hearts and souls, and return from his presence to live as he has taught; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [6 alt.]

or

Radiant Morning Star, you are both guidance and mystery.  Visit our rest with disturbing dreams, and our journeys with strange companions.  Grace us with the hospitality to open our hearts and homes to visitors filled with unfamiliar wisdom bearing profound and unusual gifts; for with Christ and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [6 alt.]

or

Bright Morning Star, your light has come, and the birth of Jesus has overwhelmed us with joy.  Like the magi of long ago, may we be drawn to you and offer you such gifts as we are able; for with Christ and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [6]

Prayer over the Gifts

Gracious God, accept the offering of your Church, the hearts of your people joined in praise and thanksgiving, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.  As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others.  With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation, and have shown your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of all peoples.  Therefore with angels and archangels we raise our voices in joyful praise to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.  By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son, and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:  [2]

The Breaking of the Bread

We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.

God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

God of all the nations of the earth, guide us with your light.  Help us to recognize Christ as he comes to us in this eucharist and in our neighbours.  May we welcome him with love, for he is Lord now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.  May your Word take flesh in us, that/so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Blessing

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Source of all being, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the God of the prophets, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

Notes

[1]        The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]     Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]        Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]        Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]        Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

[7]        Book of Occasional Services 2003

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.