Prayer of the Church- Epiphany
Our heavenly Father has rescued us from darkness, and brought us into his wonderful light through his Son Jesus Christ. We pray to him that his light may shine in the darkness of our world.
Gracious God and Father: govern and direct your holy Church; fill it with love and truth; and grant that your people may show the light and love of your Son before the entire world. Enlighten your ministers with knowledge and understanding, that by their teaching and their lives they may proclaim your word. Give all your people grace to hear and receive your word, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. Bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived. Strengthen those who stand; comfort and help the fainthearted; and raise up the fallen.
Heavenly Father: shine your light on us.
Guide the leaders of the nations into the ways of peace and justice. Grant the members of our parliaments and all who govern us wisdom and understanding. Guide our Prime Minister (insert name), and Opposition leader, (insert name). Bless those who administer the law, so that they uphold justice, honesty and truth.
Heavenly Father: shine your light on us.
Give us the will to use the resources of the earth to your glory, for the good of all, and with thought for the generations to come. Open our hearts to share our wealth with those who are in need. Remember all the peoples of this land: forgive us our sins and help us to walk humbly before you. Help and comfort the lonely, the bereaved, and the oppressed.
Heavenly Father: shine your light on us.
Keep in safety those who travel, and all whose work is dangerous – our police, fire, and armed services. Heal the sick according to your good and gracious will. We bring before you (insert names). Show your pity on prisoners and refugees, and all who are in trouble. Provide for the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers and turn their hearts to you.
Heavenly Father: shine your light on us.
Father, make us walk in your light, and shine in the darkness of our world, so that all may see your life-bringing light. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.