Light’s Wisdom
Service Prayers for the Festival of Epiphany
January 6, 2018

Call to Worship

Leader: 	We gather in the Light 
that was before, is now, and ever will be.
People: 	We seek the Light’s ancient wisdom.

We gather in the Light 
that is God’s continuing gift.
We live into the Light’s new wisdom.

We gather in the Light 
that is our own, emerging anew each day.
We seek to share this wisdom, 
nurtured in the Light from 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 
of healing and hope, 
restoration and renewal, 
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. 
Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Sometimes we feel lost in shadows of unclear choices.
	Which way will lead to justice? To transformation? To peace?
We are afraid to risk a step out, unsure of the path.
	Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

(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;
to courage and clarity.

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:
I am the Light of the World 	TNCH 584
Carry the Light	     		Sing! Prayer and Praise 192
Arise, Shine			Sing! Prayer and Praise 68

Prayers for the Festival of Epiphany was written by the Rev.  Susan A. Blain, Minister for Faith Formation: Curator for Worship and Liturgical Arts.

Copyright 2018 Faith Formation 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.