January 2-Epiphany
MORNING PRAYER
For January 2 to Epiphany, use the psalms and the canticles for January 1.
Monday
PSALM
In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you.
READING
Isaiah 49:8 – 10
In a time of favor I have answered you,
on a day of salvation I have helped you;
I have kept you and given you
as a covenant to the people, to establish the land,
to apportion the desolate heritages;
saying to the prisoners, “Come out,”
to those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.” They shall feed along the ways,
on all the bare heights shall be their pasture;
they shall not hunger or thirst,
neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down,
for God who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Such is the tender mercy of our God,
to give light to those who live in darkness.
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people
and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save. --
--Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ, you came not as an earthly ruler but as a humble servant:
~ Help us to follow your example.
For the freedom to live in a simple and unencumbered manner, we pray:
For the courage to speak our inner convictions, we pray:
For the vision to seek the common good, we pray:
For the conviction to act on behalf of those who are powerless, we pray:
For the wisdom to realize that small actions matter, we pray:
Prayer
Jesus, you did not cling to equality with God but emptied yourself and came to us in human form. We celebrate and honor your witness, and we ask for the courage to model our lives on your example. Be with us in our efforts to recreate your love in our world. We ask this as a community gathered in faith and hope. Amen.
EVENING PRAYER
PSALM
In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you.
READING
Colossians 1:13 – 16
God has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things have been created through him and for him.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Your mercy reaches from age to age.
I acclaim the greatness of the Lord,
I delight in God my savior,
who regarded my humble state.
Truly from this day on all ages
will call me blest.
For God, wonderful in power,
has used that strength for me.
Holy the name of the Lord!
Whose mercy embraces the faithful,
one generation to the next.
The mighty arm of God
scatters the proud in their conceit,
Pulls tyrants from their thrones,
and raises up the humble.
The Lord fills the starving
and lets the rich go hungry.
God rescues lowly Israel,
recalling the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham’s heirs forever.
INTERCESSIONS
Jesus is the image of the unseen God, the firstborn of all creation. We honor him as we pray for the grace to reveal God’s presence through our lives.
In our efforts to be good stewards of the earth:
~ Reveal your creative energy in us.
As we commit ourselves to responsible membership in our church and community:
~ Reveal your fidelity in us.
As we respond to those who suffer from the effects of poverty, illness, and lack of education:
~ Reveal your mercy in us.
When we welcome strangers and those who live at the margins:
~ Reveal your hospitality in us.
In our gratitude for the wonders of creation:
~ Reveal your graciousness in us.
Prayer
God dwelling with us, we pray for the clarity of mind and heart that will enable us to discover the face of Christ in all those whom we meet this day. In our care for our sisters and brothers may we express your love for them. We ask this in the name of Jesus who gave human form to your love for us. Amen.
TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER
PSALM
A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.
READING
Isaiah 62:11b – 12a
Say to daughter Zion, “See, your salvation comes; behold, the savior’s reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” They shall be called, “The Holy People, The Redeemed of God.”
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people
and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save. --
--Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
INTERCESSIONS
Jesus, you have come to be one with us. We welcome your companionship, and we pray.
You had no human shelter at your birth:
~ Be with us as we proclaim shelter a basic human right.
You were the firstborn of creation:
~ Be with us in our efforts to care for the earth.
You were nurtured by Mary and Joseph:
~ Be with us as we stand with earth’s children.
You received homage from shepherds and kings:
~ Be with us as we build bridges between rich and poor.
You fulfilled promises and dreams:
~ Be with us in our hopes and struggles for justice.
Prayer
Jesus, you did not cling to equality with God but emptied yourself and came to us in human form. We celebrate and honor your witness, and we ask for the courage to model our lives on your example. Be with us in our efforts to recreate your love in our world. We ask this as a community gathered in faith and hope. Amen.
EVENING PRAYER
PSALM
May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute.
READING
1 John 1:5b, 7
God is light and in this radiance there is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light as God is in the light, we are in union with one another, and the blood of Christ Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
CANTICLE OF MARY
May the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
I acclaim the greatness of the Lord,
I delight in God my savior,
who regarded my humble state.
Truly from this day on all ages
will call me blest.
For God, wonderful in power,
has used that strength for me.
Holy the name of the Lord!
Whose mercy embraces the faithful,
one generation to the next.
The mighty arm of God
scatters the proud in their conceit,
Pulls tyrants from their thrones,
and raises up the humble.
The Lord fills the starving
and lets the rich go hungry.
God rescues lowly Israel,
recalling the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham’s heirs forever.
INTERCESSIONS
We are called to walk in God’s light. With gratitude and wonder, we pray:
~ Bathe us in your light.
For the leaders of our church, our nation and our Institute, we pray:
For teachers and all who open to us the world of learning, we pray:
For women and men who live in the darkness of depression, we pray:
In gratitude for your gifts of the sun, the moon and the stars, we pray:
In gratitude for the inspirations of your Spirit, we pray:
Prayer
The light of a star drew the magi to the stable at Bethlehem. Draw us, alluring God, into your presence where we may kneel and adore, offering you the gifts of our lives. Bathe us in your light, that we may walk in your truth. We ask this through Jesus, who revealed you to the nations. Amen.
WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER
PSALM
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
READING
Isaiah 45:22 – 24a, 25
Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn,
from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return:
“To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”
Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength;
In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
The Lord will arise upon you, and God’s glory will appear over you.
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people
and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save. --
--Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
INTERCESSIONS
Jesus is born among us. May his Spirit continue to permeate our world.
We pray for the church throughout the world:
~ Send wisdom and judgment to her leaders.
We pray for rulers of states and nations:
~ Send them compassion for their people.
We pray for all who have lost loved ones:
~ Send them comfort in their grief.
We pray for the sick and the dying:
~ Send them healing and peace.
We pray for those who feel alone or rejected:
~ Send them friendship in their isolation.
Prayer
May your manifold Spirit be with us, our God, lighting the way before us. Inspire in us creative and daring ways to meet the needs of your people, and bring ever nearer the realization of your reign. Continue to work your converting love in us; form and reform us for the purpose you desire. We ask this, as a community united in service. Amen.
EVENING PRAYER
PSALM
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
READING
Romans 11:33 – 36
O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are God’s judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Holy One? Or who has been God’s counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to the divine, to receive a gift in return?” For from God and through God and to God are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
CANTICLE OF MARY
The Lord will arise upon you, and God’s glory will appear over you.
I acclaim the greatness of the Lord,
I delight in God my savior,
who regarded my humble state.
Truly from this day on all ages
will call me blest.
For God, wonderful in power,
has used that strength for me.
Holy the name of the Lord!
Whose mercy embraces the faithful,
one generation to the next.
The mighty arm of God
scatters the proud in their conceit,
Pulls tyrants from their thrones,
and raises up the humble.
The Lord fills the starving
and lets the rich go hungry.
God rescues lowly Israel,
recalling the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham’s heirs forever.
INTERCESSIONS
The law of the Spirit has set us free. Grateful for our freedom as children of God, we pray.
Jesus, you have freed us from slavery and called us friends:
~ Inspire us to extend the hand of friendship to those who are lonely and isolated.
Through the power of reconciliation you freed us from the clutches of sin:
~ May forgiveness characterize all our relationships.
Through your birth, death and resurrection you have freed us from the tyranny of death:
~ May our hope enlighten the cynical.
By showing us the way of the gospel you have freed us from aimlessness:
~ May our feet never stray from your path.
Prayer as in Morning Prayer
THURSDAY MORNING PRAYER
PSALM
God is the guide even of wisdom and the corrector of the wise.
READING
Wisdom 7:26 – 30
For she is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of God’s goodness. Although she is but one, she can do all things, and while remaining in herself, she renews all things; in every generation she passes into holy souls and makes them friends of God, and prophets; for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom. She is more beautiful than the sun, and excels every constellation of the stars. Compared with the light she is found to be superior, for it is succeeded by the night, but against wisdom evil does not prevail.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Wisdom is an unfailing treasure for mortals; those who get it obtain friendship with God.
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people
and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save. --
--Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
INTERCESSIONS
God loves those who dwell with wisdom. At the dawning of this day we ask for a dwelling place in the house that wisdom has built.
Wisdom is a reflection of God’s active power:
~ May our lives reflect her loving presence in our world.
Wisdom renews the world:
~ Bless us with sensitivity to the needs of the earth.
Wisdom guides the mind and opens the heart:
~ Inspire those faced with serious decisions.
Against wisdom evil cannot prevail:
~ May the power of goodness prevail in our interactions with one another and with those we serve.
Wisdom inspired the prophets:
~ Uphold those who speak out against oppression and injustice.
Prayer
Spirit of Wisdom, infuse into our hearts your light. Give us clarity of speech as we proclaim the good news. Give us clarity of vision that we may find our way to you. Give us clarity of hearing that we may recognize the cries of the needy. Give us discerning spirits that we may know the voice of God speaking within us. May your joy and enthusiasm find a home in us, that we may live in gladness of heart. All this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
EVENING PRAYER
PSALM
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
READING
1 John 5:20
We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
CANTICLE OF MARY
The abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
I acclaim the greatness of the Lord,
I delight in God my savior,
who regarded my humble state.
Truly from this day on
all ages will call me blest.
For God, wonderful in power,
has used that strength for me.
Holy the name of the Lord!
Whose mercy embraces the faithful,
one generation to the next.
The mighty arm of God
scatters the proud in their conceit,
Pulls tyrants from their thrones,
and raises up the humble.
The Lord fills the starving
And lets the rich go hungry.
God rescues lowly Israel,
recalling the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham’s heirs forever.
INTERCESSIONS
The Promised One has come. May our hearts be filled with praise.
You are the source of our hope, O Christ:
~ May we await with patience the fulfillment of your promises.
You are the font of hospitality, O Christ:
~ May we welcome friend and stranger alike into our homes.
You are the harbinger of peace, O Christ:
~ May we work to heal the fear and the anger that divide us.
You are the vessel of compassion, O Christ:
~ May we respond with tenderness to those who are ill.
You are the Word made flesh, O Christ:
~ May we be animated to serve the suffering members of your body.
Prayer
God of all peoples, bring forth your reign of peace and justice upon the earth. Gather nations together to work for the common good of their members. Bless our efforts to bring an end to famine, civil unrest and the exploitation of nature. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRIDAY MORNING PRAYER
PSALM
They saw the star in the east and came to adore.
READING
Isaiah 61:10 – 11
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; who has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom is bedecked with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people
and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save. --
--Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
INTERCESSIONS
At dawn we look east to the rising sun. We turn to you, Eternal Dayspring, confident that you hear our Prayer:
~ Jesus, be light in our world.
For all spiritual leaders, that, filled with the Holy Spirit, their influence may dispel the darkness of our times, we pray:
For refugees, for all victims of war and violence, that they may experience the warmth of love and the effects of deeds of justice, we pray:
For Sisters of Mercy throughout the world, that in our service we may radiate Christ’s own joy, peace and hope, we pray:
For each of us, that in this Christmas season we may know within our being the reality of the Word made flesh, we pray:
Prayer
Light of the world, penetrate the darkness of indifference and evil and illuminate the goodness and generosity that surround us. May the light of your Spirit, alive in us, lead us to acts that will lighten the burdens of your people and reveal your presence in our world. We ask these things, confident that you hear and answer our Prayers. Amen.
EVENING PRAYER
PSALM
A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.
READING
Acts 10:37 – 39a
That message spread throughout Judea, begin- ning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem.
CANTICLE OF MARY
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
I acclaim the greatness of the Lord,
I delight in God my savior,
who regarded my humble state.
Truly from this day on all ages
will call me blest.
For God, wonderful in power,
has used that strength for me.
Holy the name of the Lord!
Whose mercy embraces the faithful,
one generation to the next.
The mighty arm of God
scatters the proud in their conceit,
Pulls tyrants from their thrones,
and raises up the humble.
The Lord fills the starving
and lets the rich go hungry.
God rescues lowly Israel,
recalling the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham’s heirs forever.
INTERCESSIONS
Even as shadows gather around this day,
O God, we know the coming of your light. We are comforted by your presence, and we pray.
We are grateful for this day, for its learnings and opportunities:
~ May reflection on our lives reveal your presence.
The scriptures tell us again the stories of Jesus’ birth:
~ Keep fresh within us the wonder his coming inspires.
Simple folk, shepherds, kings and angels rejoiced at the coming of the Savior:
~ May we welcome the richness of diversity in our communities.
You protected the Holy Family from the cruel decree of Herod:
~ Inspire our government officials to respect and support family life.
Prayer as in Morning Prayer
SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER
PSALM
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
READING
Isaiah 9:6 – 7
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
The glory of the Lord will appear over you.
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people
and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save. --
--Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
INTERCESSIONS
Our words cannot encompass the fullness of your revelation, O God, and still we seek to know you through our senses and experiences. We pray this morning for sensitivity to the subtle manifestations of your presence:
~ May we know you.
Wonderful Counselor, as we respond to the call to service inherent in our life of Mercy:
Mighty God, as we work to eliminate racism, injustice, oppression and violence:
Prince of Peace, as we seek reconciliation among warring tribes and nations, and within our families and communities:
Source of Life, as we urge a more just distribution of earth’s goods:
Prayer
Jesus came among us as one we could see, hear and touch. Though we cannot see him now, we ask, O God, that through the gifts of our senses and the events of our lives, we may know your indwelling love. Awaken us to the subtle hints of your presence in our world and in all its creatures. May we seek in each encounter the revelation of your goodness. This we ask through Jesus, the clearest manifestation of your love. Amen.