Epiphany

Evening Prayer I

GREETING

A star shone in the east. Come and worship the newborn Savior. Guide us to the source of light. O guiding light, bring us home to God.



DOXOLOGY



PSALM 27:1–14
Shine forth in justice and majesty.
Let nations and peoples worship our God!

The Lord is my saving light; whom should I fear? God is my fortress; what should I dread? 

When the violent come at me to eat me alive,
a mob eager to kill —
they waver, they collapse.

Should battalions lay siege, I will not fear;
should war rage against me, even then I will trust.

One thing I ask the Lord, one thing I seek:
to live in the house of God every day of my life,
caught up in God’s beauty, at Prayer in his temple.

The Lord will hide me there, hide my life from attack:
a sheltering tent above me, a firm rock below.

I am now beyond reach of those who besiege me.
In his temple I will offer a joyful sacrifice,
I will play and sing to God.

O God, listen to me; be gracious, answer me.
Deep within me a voice says, “Look for the face of God!”

So I look for your face, I beg you not to hide.
Do not shut me out in anger, help me instead.

Do not abandon or desert me, my savior, my God.
If my parents rejected me, still God would take me in. 

Teach me how to live, lead me on the right road away from my enemies.
Do not leave me to their malice;
liars breathing violence rise to swear against me. 

I know I will see how good God is while I am still alive.
Trust in the Lord. Be strong. Be brave. Trust in the Lord.


Revelation 15:3–4
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?

All you do stirs wonder, Lord, mighty God.
Your ways are right and true, ruler of all nations.

Who would not be moved to glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.

All nations will gather, bowing low to you,
for your saving works are plainly seen.


READING
2 Timothy 1:9 – 12a, 13
God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.



CANTICLE OF MARY
For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.

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 A light in the east led the magi to find Christ. May we also draw close to the Holy One whom we seek:
~ May our search lead to you, O God.

We seek an open heart, ready to respond to your inspirations:

We seek the ability to value diversity:

We seek the courage to address the injustices affecting developing nations:

We seek a desire for Prayer:

We seek the gifts of adoration and wonder:

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER


Prayer

God of all nations, manifest yourself once again to your people. Give us clear vision, that we may see you in all those we meet; give us sensitive hearing that we may perceive your voice speaking through the events of our lives; give us compassionate hearts that we may recreate your loving presence among us. Help us to recognize the signs that will lead us to you, and give us good companions for the journey. We ask this, confident that you long to show yourself to us. Amen.



BLESSING

Light of Christ, bring hope to our world. Amen.
Light of Christ, illumine our minds that we may see you. Amen.
Light of Christ, kindle in us your fire. Amen.

 

MORNING PRAYER


GREETING
A star shone in the east.
Come and worship the newborn Savior. Guide me to the source of light.
O guiding light, bring me home to God.



DOXOLOGY



PSALM 45: 2–18
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

A great song fills my heart, I will recite it to the king, my tongue as skilled as the scribal pen.

Unrivaled in beauty, gracious in speech — how God has blessed you!

Hero, take up your sword, majestic in your armor. Ride on for truth, show justice to the poor, wield your power boldly.

Your weapons are ready; nations fall beneath your might, your enemies lose heart.

Your throne is as lasting as the everlasting God.
Integrity is the law of your land.

Because you love justice and hate evil, God, your God, anoints you above your peers with festive oil.

Your clothes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cinnamon flowers. Music of strings welcomes you to the ivory palace and lifts your heart.

Royal women honor you. On your right hand the queen, wearing gold of Ophir.

Mark these words, daughter: leave your family behind, forget your father’s house.

The king desires your beauty. He is your lord. Tyre comes with gifts, the wealthy honor you.

The robes of the queen
are embroidered with gold. In brilliant attire she is led to the king; her attendants follow. In high spirits they enter the royal palace.

Your sons will inherit the throne your fathers held. They shall reign throughout the land.

Every age will recall your name. This song will fix it in their memory.


Daniel 3:56–88
Out of God’s deepest mercy dawn will come from on high.

Bless God beyond the stars. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, heaven and earth. Give praise and glory for ever.

Bless God, angels of God. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, highest heavens. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, waters above. Give praise and glory. Bless God, spirits of God. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, sun and moon. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, stars of heaven. Give praise and glory for ever.

Bless God, rainstorm and dew. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, gales and winds. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, fire and heat. Give praise and glory. Bless God, frost and cold. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, dew and snow. Give praise and glory. Bless God, ice and cold. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, frost and sleet. Give praise and glory. Bless God, night and day. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, light and darkness. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, lightning and clouds. Give praise and glory for ever.

Bless God, earth and sea. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, mountains and hills. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, trees and plants. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, fountains and springs. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, rivers and seas. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, fishes and whales. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, birds of the air. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, beasts of the earth. Give praise and glory for ever.

Bless God, children of earth. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, Israel. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, priests of God. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, servants of God. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, just and faithful souls. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, holy and humble hearts. Give praise and glory.

Bless God, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael. Give praise and glory for ever.
Bless God beyond the stars. Give praise and glory.
Bless God, heaven and earth. Give praise and glory for ever.



READING
Isaiah 52:7 – 9, 10b
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation,

who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted you and has redeemed Jerusalem. And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.



CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
They knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

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 daylight’s coming we bring before you, God-among-us, our concerns and needs. We trust that you know our hearts before we speak, and with this confidence we pray. A bright light appeared in the heavens:
~ May we recognize the signs of your presence in creation.

The magi inquired and searched for its meaning:
~ Light the paths of all those who search for truth and meaning in their lives.

They came from afar bearing gifts:
~ May we know the value of all your gifts — sorrows as well as joys.

Kings brought gold, frankincense and myrrh:
~ Bless the benefactors who enable our ministries.

Bowing down, they adored:
~ Help us to be still and to know that you are God.



THE LORD’S PRAYER


Prayer as in Evening Prayer I


BLESSING
Light of Christ, bring hope to our world. Amen.
Light of Christ, illumine our minds that we may see you. Amen.
Light of Christ, kindle in us your fire. Amen.

 

EVENING PRAYER II


GREETING
A star shone in the east.
Come and worship the newborn Savior. Guide me to the source of light.
O guiding light, bring me home to God.



DOXOLOGY



PSALM  8
A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah.

Lord our God, the whole world tells
the greatness of your name. Your glory reaches
beyond the stars.
Even the babble of infants declares your strength, your power to halt
the enemy and avenger.
I see your handiwork in the heavens:
the moon and the stars you set in place.
What is humankind
that you remember them, the human race
that you care for them?

You treat them like gods,
dressing them in glory and splendor. You give them charge of the earth, laying all at their feet:
cattle and sheep, wild beasts, birds of the sky, fish of the sea,
every swimming creature. Lord our God, the whole world tells
the greatness of your name.




Tobit 13:8–11,13–15
Arise, sing to our God. The glory of the Holy One has banished darkness.

Give witness to God’s glory, in Jerusalem give praise! Jerusalem, holy city, God punished you, because your citizens did wrong. Yet God will spare the children of the just. Make your praise worthy of God who rules the ages, that you may be a joyful city where the temple rises again, where God welcomes every exile and loves for ever all who suffer.A light shining over all the earth will draw to your holy  name distant nations and peoples. They will bring gifts for the ruler of heaven. All generations will offer sacrifice here. They will name you, “Chosen Forever!” Go now and celebrate with the children of the just, gathered to praise the living God. Jerusalem, holy city, blest are they who love you and delight in your peace, blest who mourn when you suffer. They shall dance in your streets, brimming over with joy. Bless the Lord who reigns for ever.



READING
Titus 3:4 – 7
When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, God saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit was poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

CANTICLE OF MARY
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.

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 journey toward you, O God, along the path of Mercy. In gratitude for the comfort of your companionship, we pray.

The magi journeyed together to seek you:
~ We give you thanks for our sisters with whom we make our way to you.

You have called us to the ministry of service:
~ May we freely share our gifts with all those with whom we minister.

Our world thirsts for meaning and direction:
~ Help us to encourage all those who seek you.

Warned by an angel, the magi returned home by a different route:
~ May we be attentive to the provident ways in which you lead us.

Evening Prayer I

GREETING

A star shone in the east. Come and worship the newborn Savior. Guide us to the source of light. O guiding light, bring us home to God.



DOXOLOGY



PSALM 27:1–14
Shine forth in justice and majesty.
Let nations and peoples worship our God!

The Lord is my saving light; whom should I fear? God is my fortress; what should I dread? 

When the violent come at me to eat me alive,
a mob eager to kill —
they waver, they collapse.

Should battalions lay siege, I will not fear;
should war rage against me, even then I will trust.

One thing I ask the Lord, one thing I seek:
to live in the house of God every day of my life,
caught up in God’s beauty, at Prayer in his temple.

The Lord will hide me there, hide my life from attack:
a sheltering tent above me, a firm rock below.

I am now beyond reach of those who besiege me.
In his temple I will offer a joyful sacrifice,
I will play and sing to God.

O God, listen to me; be gracious, answer me.
Deep within me a voice says, “Look for the face of God!”

So I look for your face, I beg you not to hide.
Do not shut me out in anger, help me instead.

Do not abandon or desert me, my savior, my God.
If my parents rejected me, still God would take me in. 

Teach me how to live, lead me on the right road away from my enemies.
Do not leave me to their malice;
liars breathing violence rise to swear against me. 

I know I will see how good God is while I am still alive.
Trust in the Lord. Be strong. Be brave. Trust in the Lord.


Revelation 15:3–4
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?

All you do stirs wonder, Lord, mighty God.
Your ways are right and true, ruler of all nations.

Who would not be moved to glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.

All nations will gather, bowing low to you,
for your saving works are plainly seen.


READING
2 Timothy 1:9 – 12a, 13
God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.



CANTICLE OF MARY
For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.

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 A light in the east led the magi to find Christ. May we also draw close to the Holy One whom we seek:
~ May our search lead to you, O God.

We seek an open heart, ready to respond to your inspirations:

We seek the ability to value diversity:

We seek the courage to address the injustices affecting developing nations:

We seek a desire for Prayer:

We seek the gifts of adoration and wonder:

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER


Prayer

God of all nations, manifest yourself once again to your people. Give us clear vision, that we may see you in all those we meet; give us sensitive hearing that we may perceive your voice speaking through the events of our lives; give us compassionate hearts that we may recreate your loving presence among us. Help us to recognize the signs that will lead us to you, and give us good companions for the journey. We ask this, confident that you long to show yourself to us. Amen.



BLESSING

Light of Christ, bring hope to our world. Amen.
Light of Christ, illumine our minds that we may see you. Amen.
Light of Christ, kindle in us your fire. Amen.