Epiphany Prayers
What is Epiphany?
The Epiphany, called Theophany in Orthodox Churches, celebrates the appearance of Christ to the Gentiles and the visit of the Magi (Three Wise Men). Other manifestations recalled on Epiphany are the miracle at Cana and the Baptism of Jesus. Epiphany is celebrated on January 6.
More Info: Epiphany
Alternate Opening Prayer for the Epiphany of Our Lord
Let us pray, [grateful for the glory revealed today through God made man.] Father of light, unchanging God, today you reveal to men of faith the resplendent fact of the Word made flesh. Your light is strong, Your love is near; draw us beyond the limits which this world imposes, to the life where Your Spirit makes all life complete. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
New Saint Joseph Sunday Missal
Opening Prayer for the Epiphany of Our Lord
Let us pray [that we may be guided by the light of faith.] Father, you revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
New Saint Joseph Sunday Missal
A Collect for Epiphany
O God, Who on this day through the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine Only-Begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may one day be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Benedictine Monastic Diurnal
Epiphany Hymn of Saint Ambrose
Most High God! Thou that enkindlest the fires of the shining stars! O Jesus! Thou that art peace and life and light and truth, hear and grant our prayers.
This present day has been made holy by thy mystic baptism, whereby thou didst sanctify those waters of the Jordan, which of old were thrice turned back.
It is holy by the star shining in the heavens, whereby thou didst announce thy Virginal Mother's delivery and didst, on the same day, lead the Magi to adore thee in thy crib.
It is holy too, by thy changing the water of the pitchers into wine; which the steward of the feast, knowing that he had not so filled them, drew forth for the guests.
Glory be to thee, O Lord Jesus, that didst appear on this Day! And to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, for everlasting ages.
Amen.
Hymn of Saint Ambrose (338-397), used by the Church in Milan
The Church in Jerusalem Epiphany Prayer
O God,
Who by a star guided the wise men to the worship of your Son,
we pray you to lead to yourself the wise and great of every land that unto you every knee may bow, and every thought be brought into captivity
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East
Blessing of a Home at Epiphany
Leader: Peace be to this house. All: And to all who live here.
Leader: Bless, O Lord, this household and family, and allow all of us who live in this home to find in it a shelter of peace and health. Inspire each of us to develop our individual talents and to contribute wisdom and good works for the benefit of the whole family. Make our house a haven for us all, and a place of warmth and caring for all our friends who come to visit us. Enlighten us with the brilliance of your Epiphany star, so that, as we go into the world, we might clearly see our way to You and discover You in our work and play. This we ask to your glory and in the power of your kingship. All: For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory now and forever, Amen.
Then, bless the house with the sign of the cross.
After the blessing, the initials of the Magi (traditional names: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) are written with chalk over the main doorway of the house along with the year. For example, in 2023 it would be written like this: 20 + C + M + B + 23 (the + is a cross; the "23" stands for 2023; change the year accordingly).
Adapted from commonly used parish prayer.
An Epiphany Prayer
Lord Jesus may your light shine our way, as once it guided the steps of the magi: that we too may be led into your presence and worship you, the Child of Mary, the Word of the Father, the King of nations, the Saviour of mankind; to whom be glory for ever.
Frank Colquhoun
Ambvon Prayer on the Feast of Holy Theophany
Ineffable is Thy love towards us, and boundless is the sea of Thy good will, O Lord our God; For it was pleasing unto Thee for Thine Only-begotten Son to be born of a chaste woman, and to become man; and to be like unto us in all things, save sin: and to be baptized as a man for our sake by John, though needing no baptism: so that, in sanctifying the element of water, He might grant us rebirth by water and the Spirit. And in these things discerning Thee to be God eternal, we worship Thee, Who hast from the heavens proclaimed Him that was baptized to be Thy Son. We glorify Thy Holy Spirit, Who descended upon Him and revealed Him to John: for Thou hast sealed us, and endowed us with the grace of Baptism; Thou hast made us communicants of Thy Christ: of Whom deprive not us sinners, but by His Grace support us against every force of evil; and strengthen the Orthodox Christians against every assault, and lead us all into Thy Kingdom: that in us may be glorified Thine all-holy Name, and that of Thine Only-begotten Son, together with the most Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
From an ancient Ambvon prayer
Epiphany Morning Prayer
Father, you revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen
The Liturgy of the Hours
Compiled by David Bennett
Updated 12-20-2019