Ethiopian Epiphany Icon
At the start of January,/ we pray for those who celebrate birthdays,/ anniversaries and other days of remembrance./ We ask for them the blessings of good health,/ safety and peace./ We pray to the Lord.
As Mary offers hospitality to shepherds and Magi,/ we ask that our own homes would be places of welcome,/ friendship,/ rest and renewal./ We pray to the Lord.
In Western art,/ the Magi are depicted as different nationalities;/ in the east,/ different ages./ May our parishes actively include others,/ especially the ones who feel judged,/ dispensable,/ bothersome or unworthy./ We pray to the Lord.
For the President of the United States and world leaders in every place./ May they be balanced,/ moral people,/ and not given to self serving passions of dishonesty,/ greed,/ vanity and power-lust./ We pray to the Lord.
In the time of storms and winter weather,/ we ask for the safety of travelers./ We pray as well for the sick,/ the homeless,/ the unlucky ones who suffer deprivation and loss./And may we never be lacking in gratitude./ We pray to the Lord.
We see the Epiphany star which led the Magi to the newborn from heaven./ May we realize that each human person is covered with God's brightness,/ in a world darkened by hatred,/imbalance and death./ We pray to the Lord.
Finally,/ we pray for our families:/ Magi-like,/ may they find their way to what is loving,/ true and good./ We pray to the Lord.
