Festival of Epiphany – January 6
Journey in the Starlight
Service Prayers for the Festival of Epiphany
January 6, 2020
Call To Worship
Leader: The Star still beckons.
We follow the Light
that was before, is now, and ever will be.
All:We seek the Light’s ancient wisdom.
The Star still beckons.
We seek the Light
that is God’s continuing gift.
We live into the Light’s new wisdom.
We awake to the Light
In our world, emerging anew each day.
We seek to share this wisdom,
nurtured in the Light over Bethlehem’s cradle.
Invocation
God of Light and Love,
in this very moment the star still beckons.
Gather us and let the star call us to new ways
restoration and renewal,
justice and mercy,
as we discover again Christ’s call to discipleship.
Amen.
Prayer of Confession
(The leader stands in front of an un-lit candle)
Sometimes we feel lost and even consumed by darkness.
We wonder if we are loveable.
Our actions dim the value and worth of others, and ourselves.
(The leader lights the candle)
But in Christ, God has given us a new Light,
kindling unconditional love for us,
and showing us a well-lit path to wholeness and forgiveness.
Thanks be to God.
Offertory Prayer
Loving God,
may these gifts reveal to us and to others
the Light that is Jesus.
And may this Light lead us on
into new and challenging ways of living and serving.
Benediction
Now go surrounded by Christ’s light,
and the blessing of God
– Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit –
be with you now,
all those you pray for,
and all those you remember. Amen.
Hymn Suggestions
Many Are the Lightbeams TNCH 163
I am the Light of the World TNCH 584
Carry the LightSing! Prayer and Praise 192
Arise, ShineSing! Prayer and Praise 68
Journey in the Starlight: Service Prayers for Epiphany were written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain, Minister for Worship and Gospel Arts.
Copyright 2020 Justice Local Church Ministries, Faith INFO Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.