Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

The Epiphany of the Lord, January 7, 2024

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The Epiphany of the Lord, January 7, 2024

As the Magi opened their treasures and offered their gifts to the infant Jesus, we open our hearts and offer our needs, our hopes, and our thanksgiving to the Father.   

  1. That the Church will be like a rising star that leads all cultures, nations, and creeds to find Jesus who draws all people together.  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That the glory of the Lord will shine upon the people of Israel, Gaza, and the nations of the Mideast so that the darkness and thick clouds that cover them are dispelled, justice may flower, and profound peace may reign.  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That as the Magi — strangers from afar — found the infant Jesus, refugees and those who seek safety and opportunity will be overjoyed at finding faith, hope, and kindness in new lands.  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That the death toll of children — born and unborn — in our own country will be curtailed by recognition of the scandalous failure of our nation to honor the right to life granted to each individual by our Creator.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That we will see the splendor of God’s creation in the stars and find lights that lead us through life to places of holiness.  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That those who choose to follow King Herod, persecuting Christians in Nigeria, imprisoning clergy in Nicaragua, and suppressing the Church in various parts of the world will be subverted when the wise do not provide their cooperation. We pray to the Lord.
  7. That we will entrust this New Year to Mary the Holy Mother of God, consecrating our lives to her as she will lead us to Jesus who is himself the fullness of time, of every time, of our own time.[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That the victims of the earthquake in Japan, and of all natural disasters, will be united in their efforts to recover and to rebuild their lives.  We pray to the Lord.
  9. That those dealing with respiratory illnesses this winter may find warmth, healing, and comfort through effective and compassionate care.  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That those who have died this past year from war, urban violence, poverty, or despair may rest in peace among the stars of heaven with all the angels and saints.  We pray to the Lord.

O God, on this Epiphany Sunday we ask that we may know your answers to our prayers, see your actions in our lives, and be better able to offer ourselves as gifts to your Son. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[1] Based on homily of Pope Francis on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, January 1, 2024.

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