Darkness and Light: An Epiphany Responsive Prayer

In the darkness before creation,
you made all that lives and breathes.
In the darkness of Mary’s womb,
you formed Jesus, bringer of light.
In the darkness of our world your spirit sustains us.
O God, you are with us in darkness and in light.
Under the cover of darkness,
Magi followed the star to the Christ-child.
We come from the East and we come from the West,
following you on our different roads,
following the same star to the same place.
O God, you are with us in darkness and in light.
In the stillness of the dark,
we pray for all who need God’s presence in a special way—
people who cannot find work,
who cannot pay their bills,
who have no place to live,
people who are discouraged and hopeless,
people who have become cynical and bitter.
O God, you are with us in darkness and in light.
We live in this world in our bodies,
we rejoice in life and breath,
yet when sickness or pain cripples us,
we lose our bearings, we feel lost and bewildered.
We need your presence to keep us safe.
Be with those who are sick, especially _______________.
O God, you are with us in darkness and in light.
Thank you for moments of inspiration,
for moments of clear vision
where we see who we are and who we are meant to be,
where we see where we are, and where you want us to go.
Give us courage to take the journey that you call us to,
and give us strength on the road.
O God, you are with us in darkness and in light.
Your presence sustains us,
help us to go from worship this morning,
having seen your face,
having done homage to your goodness,
We are confident in the work you are doing
in us and through us,
for your kingdom come,
on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.