PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6, 2022
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6, 2022
Isaiah 60:1-6: (Arise, shine, your Light has come; kings shall bring riches)
Psalm 72:1-11(12-15): (Give the king justice, O God, let kings from far away bring tribute)
Ephesians 3:1-12 (Paul is an apostle to the Gentiles, who are granted fullness of salvation through Christ)
Matthew 2:1-12: (The wise men come to worship Jesus, return home by another way)
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Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Most holy God, thank you for filling all creation with light and life. Thank you for revealing your Son, who has eternally shared the splendor of your light and life. Thank you for making him, your Word made flesh, a lamp to our feet and light to our path. Enlighten our hearts with the dear presence of Jesus, our Light and our Life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Brighten with the fair beauty of Christ the Church in every land. Make it radiant with holiness, charity, and faithfulness. Use it to draw many who are afar off to worship and adore you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the true light and life of all who are persecuted on account of you. Give them the wisdom of the magi, the obedience of Joseph, and the faithfulness of Mary. Turn the hearts of their adversaries away from sin and hatred, and toward you in repentance and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray your favor upon this new year, and upon our hopes and resolutions for a better future. Give hope and strength to all for whom the new year seems to bring no release from sorrow and care. Give us grace to seek your will for our common good. Draw us in steadfast hope toward your great and eternal New Year.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Shed the light of your love upon this congregation. Light the flame of kindliness and generosity in our midst. Help us to share with our families and neighbors the good gifts you have bestowed on us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
It is easy for earthly rulers to listen to counsels of fear, power, and expediency. Give them instead, the heart to hear and heed your Word, and the will to act according to it, for the benefit of the people entrusted to their care. Help all of us to listen, speak and act with patience and prudence, and to strive to live at peace with one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the light and salvation of everyone who calls upon you in times of trouble. We plead especially on behalf of: {List}. Renew in them the gifts of health, wholeness, and hope. Ease the burdens and bless the labors of all who care for them. Refresh their spirits, and bind us all together in cords of mutual care and compassion.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
The generations rise and fall and pass before you, O Lord; and we entrust our beloved dead into your merciful care. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Give us eyes to see the sorrow and suffering around us. Give us lips to pray and encourage, and hands to extend in fellowship and help. Give us hearts to beat with compassion and mercy. Grant to all whom you have redeemed a portion in that imperishable inheritance you have prepared for them in Christ. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you reign in the unity of your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, dear Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us. We pray in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.