Intercessions ~ Feast of the Epiphany

 

Star of Bethlehem

A Savior is born for us!/ We ask for the Church to be a people of Good News to a world of sad news,/ offering an action-word of salvation,/ hope,/ joy,/ healing,/ confidence and relief./ We pray to the Lord.

In the Christmas carol we sing, "the weary world rejoices."/ We pray for those who are tired and feel no rejoicing,/ who are weary of war,/ weary of injustice/ tired of themselves and their failure./ We pray to the Lord.

Jesus was born into the world of the Roman Empire,/ a world often at war or preparing for war./ We pray for leaders to make decisions for peace that benefits others,/ not creating fear,/ but helping the world to be a more good,/ healthy and safe place./ We pray to the Lord.

At Bethlehem,/ the Infant Jesus sometimes cried,/ as babies do./ We pray for the world's children/ crying in pain,/ loneliness,/  terror,/ discomfort or need./ For the children who are lost,/ separated or grieving at Christmas./ We pray to the Lord. 

In another Christmas carol we sing of "comfort and joy."/ We ask comfort for parents who feel defeated or worried./ For expectant parents and those who are caregivers to the elderly,/ special needs folks,/ the weak ones,/ the dying./ We pray to the Lord. 

In the Christmas scene we see Joseph the dreamer./ Bless those who dream of safety,/ of being valued,/ employed,/ talked to and included./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for those who do nothing to help during this time of covid spread - who only resist,/argue and deny./ For the many who continue to get sick,/ for those who die,/ for those who mourn./  May we not forget that covid is a global crisis./ We pray to the Lord.

Epiphany Renewal Prayer

 

We don't know this elder monk's name. He would prefer to remain anonymous anyway. He is tucked into a small space — perhaps in chapel or in his cell. His psalm book is open on the stand. He is wearing a cuculla — the large garment that covers or wraps him during communal prayer. I wonder if the word cucoon is related. Life is found inside the butterfly's cocoon. The monk's life is found in the prayer. The monk knows himself. He doesn't wear masks. 

On the Feast of the Lord's Epiphany — this feast of light — we might pray Bishop Kenneth Untener's prayer of self-knowledge before Christ the Light. This venerable monk would understand and be eager to stand with us in the prayer.

Free us, Jesus, from our inner Pharisee, from every inclination to self-righteousness, from every notion of being morally superior, from every tone of voice, every gesture or glance that could shame others or flatter ourselves. Let no cause, no matter how worthy, seduce us into idolizing ourselves or demonizing others. In a world where so many feel isolated and alone, let us be builders, not destroyers of bridges. Teach us how to admit and overcome our blind spots, so we do not punish others for our impaired vision. 

 

Intercessions ~ Feast of the Epiphany

 

Mosaic of the Magi ~ St. Apollinaire ~ Ravenna ~ 6th century

On the Feast of the Epiphany,/ we remain before the little house of Bethlehem,/ praying for the little house which is each of our homes,/ asking for them to be places where persons are built up by respect and mutual assistance./ We pray to the Lord.

The wise men of the Lord's Epiphany feast are symbolic of humankind — all are invited to Christ/ who is light./ May we understand this invitation more deeply/ for ourselves and our families,/ to become our most authentic selves before God and others./ We pray to the Lord.

Christmas and Epiphany are feasts of hospitality/ with the welcoming of shepherd-guests and the magi./ We pray for those who long to be welcomed and included./ May we be an open-hearted nation./ We pray to the Lord.

In this winter of sickness,/ we pray for the unemployed,/ the uninsured and those suffering insecurity./ For those who are on food lines/ or in mourning./ For health care providers who persevere through exhaustion./ We pray to the Lord.

At the start of the New Year, / we pray for those places around the world where there is war/ civil unrest,/ violence,/ terrorism and destruction./ The world asks for leaders of good faith,/ committed to the creation of peace/ and the well being of all./ We pray to the Lord.

As a new year begins/ we pray for those who sow despair,/ doubt and distrust,/ cynics who weaken hope./ In times of great loneliness and isolation,/ as God has taken on a human face in Christ,/ may we find the courage to be other-referred persons./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for the many who have died this past year,/ mindful that around the world/ nearly two million have died of Coronavirus./ We pray to the Lord.

Intercessions ~ Feast of the Lord's Epiphany

In the Christmas time we see Christ as a helpless child,/ may we acknowledge the children of helplessness/ and find our way to do something to comfort and relieve them,/ the children of war,/ of poverty,/ disaster,/ abandonment,/ trafficking./ We pray to the Lord.

As we observe the magi arriving to offer gifts,/ may we recognize the gifts we each have to offer for the love of Christ,/ love of neighbor/ and for the healing of the world God has entrusted to our care./ We pray to the Lord.

Grant that our families would be healed where there is addiction,/ anger,/ spiritual poverty or emotional breakdown./ We pray to the Lord.

May the Christmas message of Pope Francis,/ a message of justice/ and the lifting up of the most desperate,/ be heard by those who lead around the world./ We pray to the Lord.

We ask for the conversion of the nations to the things of God's grace and goodness./ For our own nation in its confusion and bitterness./ May we learn anew how to be friends to each other./ We pray to the Lord.

At the start of a new year/ and on the feast of the Epiphany-star,/ we pray for the world where it is lost in darkness,/ where there is murder,/ terrorism,/ war,/ fear and hopelessness./ May we be humble bearers of light./ We pray to the Lord.

Intercessions ~ Feast of the Lord's Epiphany

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.

Intercessions ~ Feast of the Epiphany

Wars are created by men who are sick with the sin of pride./ We ask for wise leaders/ who will want to know how to create and protect peace./ We pray to the Lord.

As we contemplate the Child of Bethlehem,/ we pray for human life wherever it is threatened/ wherever social or environmental life is degraded./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for the nation in this cold time,/ for people who are un-protected,/ insecure or afraid./ For Eastern Christians who celebrate Christmas this weekend./ And for the people of Iran/ where there is protest and violence./ We pray to the Lord.

With the Star of Bethlehem before us,/ we pray for God's light to dawn where darkness fills human minds and hearts,/ where people are grieved and overwhelmed by terror,/ hatred and injustice./  We pray to the Lord.

We pray for families everywhere./ For violent,/ addicted,/ dysfunctional families./ For families where there is no faith,/ or where children are being raised poorly./ We pray for young people,/ mindful of those who have no job or sense of purpose./ We pray to the Lord.

We remember the sick,/ the dying,/ those who are wounded or damaged,/ struggling against great odds,/ fearful or burdened./ With grateful hearts/ we pray for those who help,/ encourage and support us./ We pray to the Lord. 

Christmas~Epiphany ~ Savor It!

Adoration of the Magi ~ Gentile de Fabriano  ~ 1423

This marvelous Renaissance painting is nine feet long and a little more than six feet high. Fabriano put everything he had into its creation: the paints are made of brilliant materials and even precious stones have been embedded to create the richness we see here. 

Actually the whole story of the visiting Magi is told throughout. In the upper left hand corner (which we don't see) and across the top, we travel with the Magi on their long journey. Then the image draws us around to the bottom left where we see this dramatic and lively adoration of the Holy Child and the giving of gifts. Fabriano has made the story very exotic, including a camel, a lion, and a monkey. By the look of it, the Magi have told others where they were going, and this great crowd grew and followed along.

We notice Mary's mid-wives, girl-friends or neighbors talking about the first gift which Mary has evidently handed off, her arms already full with a wriggling baby. A servant-boy seems to be taking care of the shoes the third guest is wearing. The traditional donkey and cow are in the cave. In contrast to the energized and maybe noisy crowd, we see Joseph standing in silence, reminding us that this is a contemplative moment. Maybe he broke his silence simply to indicate, "Shh!"

What shall we present unto Thee, O Christ,
for Thy coming to earth for us men?
Each of Thy creatures brings Thee a thank-offering - 
The angels - singing
The heavens - a star.
The wise men - treasures
The shepherds - devotion.
The earth - a cave.
The desert - a manger.
But we offer Thee, the Virgin-Mother.
O eternal God have mercy upon us.

Eastern Christian Hymn

Intercessions ~ Feast of the Lord's Epiphany

6th century mosaic ~ St. Apollinaire, Ravenna

On the Feast of the Lord's Epiphany we pray for those who feel they are stumbling around in darkness:/ who feel lost,/ demeaned,/ hurt,/ discouraged,/ inconsolable./ frightened./ For those who carry within themselves the burden of separation and loneliness./ We pray to the Lord.

On this feast of light/ we pray for the people of good will/ who bravely deal with the deep shadow of terrorism/ gripping our world today/ and causing such fear and confusion./ We pray to the Lord.

The Magi visit the Child of Bethlehem and his Mother./ And so we pray for children everywhere:/ that they would be welcomed,/ loved,/ protected/and given all they need to grow/ as full and happy human persons./ We pray to the Lord.

Eastern Christians celebrate Christmas today./ We pray for them/ and for Christian homes everywhere/ to be centers of joy and hope,/ and for the strengthening of Christians who are threatened or menaced for their believing./ We pray to the Lord.

In the winter time/ we pray for people who lack stability and security./ For those who are homeless,/ cold,/ or out of work, / and that we would be aware and generous in performing the works of mercy./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for those who died/ or who were wounded in the terrorist attack in Istanbul at the start of the new year./ We recall too the 4th anniversary of the massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School/ asking for a new guiding star/ leading the nation to be healed of its terrible gun violence./ We pray to the Lord.

Intercessions ~ Feast of the Epiphany

Star of Bethlehem

At Epiphany,/ we pray to be restored when we are sad,/ worried,/ over-thinking,/ hurting,/ giving up,/ angry or depressed./ We pray to the Lord.

At the start of January,/ we pray for those who celebrate birthdays,/ anniversaries,/ and other days of remembrance./ For safety,/ peace and good health./ We pray to the Lord.

This past year one in every eight babies was born in places of conflict and war,/ bombs,/ bullets,/ destruction and death./ We pray for them,/ asking for stability and safety./ We pray to the Lord.

We ask the blessings of protection and health for Pope Francis as he begins a new year of working to bring renewal to our damaged and weakened Church./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for those whose hearts are stubborn,/ lost in ignorance,/ or selfishness./ And that we would know ourselves well./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray blessings of joy and hope where Eastern Christians celebrate Christmas this week,/ and for the Church to be restored to unity where sad divisions persist./ We pray to the Lord.

On the Feast of the Epiphany,/ we ask for Jesus to be newly revealed to each of us./ We remember those who are sick,/ traveling,/ or struggling in any way./ We pray for those who have died this past year,/ and for those who mourn them./ We pray to the Lord. 

Christmas~Epiphany: God With A Human Face

Rembrandt ~ Face of Jesus

IN THE CHRISTMAS~EPIPHANY TIME: God knows I exist. God cares that I exist. God has me in mind. God sits down at table with me. God sees me as a Mother sees her child. God offers me friendship. God with a human face.

In 1868 Charles Converse composed the marvelous hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Hold close the restless, tired world as you read the prayer-lyrics and consider Rembrandt's Face of Jesus.

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged -

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge-

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised

Thou wilt all our burdens bear;

May we ever, Lord, be bringing

All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded,

There will be no need for prayer-

Rapture, praise, and endless worship

Will be our sweet portion there.

Sunday Intercessions ~ Feast of the Lord's Epiphany

Star of Bethlehem

In the new month of January/ we pray for those who celebrate birthdays,/ anniversaries and other days of remembrance./ For gifts of good health,/ safety and peace./ We pray to the Lord.

The magi from the East discovered the Christ Child of Bethlehem./ We pray to make discoveries for ourselves this new year/ which will lead to the fulfillment of our deepest inner desires./ We pray to the Lord.

The Bethlehem Star shone brightly./ We ask for God's light to lead us out of dark thinking to a brighter place/ where truth is evident and the choices for goodness more clear./ We pray to the Lord. 

The Christians of the Middle East/ the birth-place of Christianity,/ suffer terribly./ We pray for their consolation and protection./ We pray for the Christians of the comfortable world/ whose faith is often mediocre and un-evolved./ We pray to the Lord.

We entrust loved-ones to God's nurturing care,/ mindful of those who are addicted,/ sick,/ sad,/ financially troubled or emotionally burdened./ We pray to the Lord.

When the magi looked up and saw the star/ they were over-joyed./ We pray for people from whom joy has been taken by depression,/ war,/ chronic sickness,/ family dissolution or violence./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for all those who have died this past year:/ to know their living Redeemer./ We pray to the Lord.

Merton's Epiphany

Portrait of Thomas Merton

The word epiphany means manifestation. The expression "I had an epiphany," means I had a great and important realization or enlightenment. The Feast of the Epiphany links three manifestations of divinity in Christ: The magi following the star to Bethlehem, the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River and the first of Jesus' signs at the Wedding at Cana. The epiphany is the realization of who this is who is being shown to us.

We mustn't confuse a real epiphany with serendipitous events or coincidences that might even appear to be wondrous: "I was late and got a parking space just when I was starting to feel desperate." "It rained all week and then the sun came out for the kids' wedding day." "I asked for a sign and a white dove landed on the railing by my door." 

Epiphanies are God-showings for the expansion of our hearts, the changing of our minds, the birthing of something new in us, a personal transformation that may take my breath away.

The monk-author, Thomas Merton writes of having a profound religious experience on the sidewalk, the likes of which he never had in the monastery. This is an epiphany!

In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. It is a glorious destiny to be a member of the human race...there is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.

I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God's eyes. If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all of the time. There would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed.

         Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander, New York: Doubleday 1966

We need a make-no-mistake-about it global epiphany!

Intercessions for the Feast of the Epiphany

Star of Bethlehem

The guiding star originated in the East./ We pray for Eastern Christians who are often persecuted for Christ:/for their strengthening,/ freedom and peace./ We pray to the Lord.

When the magi arrived at Bethlehem/ they found Jesus, Mary and Joseph./ We pray for the up-building of families everywhere,/ mindful of families where faith has been lost/ or where there is addiction,/ violence and financial struggle./ We pray to the Lord.

The star of Bethlehem signifies Christ's royalty./ We pray that we would claim Jesus Christ anew as Savior and Lord./ We pray to the Lord.

The magi discovered the Child called Prince of Peace/ in that part of the world which is often at war./ We pray to discover how we might be peace-makers/ and for global leaders to be given fresh energies to the creation of peace./ We pray to the Lord.

We pause to pray for the many people entrusted to our prayer./ We remember the sick,/ the un-employed,/ the elderly,/ the children,/ the dying/ and for their salvation./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for loved-ones who have died./ We pray for the faithful and the not-so-faithful departed,/ and that with them we would behold the face of God in Christ-Jesus./ We pray to the Lord.