Praying with Creation: the Season after Epiphany
The Baptism of Our Lord through the Transfiguration of Our Lord
Year C
by Carol Masters
Download Praying with Creation: Epiphany YrC (PDF)
The Baptism of Our Lord: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8: 14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
God of returning light, God who refills the seas, the earth in this season is infused with the brilliance of light held in water: the shimmer of moon on ice, the icy glitter of stars, sun glistening on snow. So infuse us with your Spirit that we may reveal your light to all in need.
Second Sunday after Epiphany: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
God who delights in the land, who brings joy with gifts of water and ground, who bathes us in holy wisdom: help us to give proper care to this planet. Teach us how to assist those who tend her soil, to conserve and to protect your beloved earth.
Third Sunday after Epiphany: Nehemiah 8:1-3; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21
God of revealing light, every dawn tells us how intricately your world is knit: Bare twigs snare the sun and clouds, the shifting winds weave a favorable atmosphere, moisture sifts through in mist or snow, and slowly penetrates the waiting soil. Cleanse our hearts as we repent of human pollution and violence; help your people preserve this life-giving air.
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30
God of surprising light, we expect the sun to rise and to set by appointment, the planet to turn in lawful order, and our days to proceed as we intend. Keep us alive to the miracles of your creative love among us and ignite in us the fire of that love for your entire world.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 138; I Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
Creator God, You reveal your glory and love in the smallest bits of life, cells of our bodies, the microbial substance of soil, segmented insect wings, glistening scales of fish. Come to us, manifest in us your loving care for the humble and small, that we may preserve your abundance.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; I Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26
Living God, you refresh humankind with the gifts of creation: The waxing light that stirs warmth deep in the earth, water that nourishes roots and stalks, food for the body and fruits of the spirit. Enliven those who thirst for you; grant them the wisdom to cherish your planet Earth and all creation.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord: Ex. 34:29-35, Ps. 99, II Cor 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-36
God of changing light, we encounter you in the magnificence of mountains and great oaks, yet in the fragility of butterflies and whole ecosystems. The whispers of disappeared species tear at the web of life. So transform us that we may hear their echoes and understand; that we may see your presence behind the veil.