Here’s a prayer for the first Sunday after Epiphany, part of a season in which the Church traditionally celebrates God’s gift of light in our darkness through the coming of Christ. It’s taken from my book Prayers for All Seasons 2.
Epiphany praise: Light in our darkness
Everlasting God,
we celebrate your coming to our world in Jesus Christ,
your light that continues to shine
in the darkness of our world.
We praise you for the way your love shone
in so many lives during his ministry;
through the healing he brought to the sick,
comfort to the distressed,
promise to the poor,
and forgiveness to the lost.
Receive our worship,
and shine in our lives today.
We praise you for the light
that has shone in so many lives since,
the faith you have nurtured in innumerable hearts;
new beginnings,
new purpose,
new life born within them.
Receive our worship,
and shine in our lives today.
We rejoice that you are at work in our lives here and now,
inviting us to bring our hopes, fears and concerns
before you in the knowledge
that you will always meet our needs,
no situation beyond your power to transform and redeem.
Receive our worship,
and shine in our lives today.
We praise you for the assurance that evil will be overcome;
that hope will replace despair,
joy come after sorrow,
and life triumph over death –
that even the deepest darkness shall be turned to light!
Receive our worship,
and shine in our lives today.
Fill us now with the light of Christ.
May it illumine our worship and guide our footsteps,
so that we may live as a lamp for others,
to the glory of your name.
Receive our worship,
and shine in our lives today.
In his name we ask it.
Amen.