Journey in the Light
Service Prayers for the Festival of Epiphany

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.

(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 Light                 Sing! Prayer and Praise 192
Arise, Shine            Sing! Prayer and Praise 68