
Mid-Morning Prayer (Terce) for Epiphanytide
from Daily Prayer for All Seasons
Gathering
Wisdom knows and understands all things
and guides us in our actions
Opening Prayer
O God, your Spirit of Wisdom was present at the creation and with Jesus at his baptism: Open our hearts to that same Spirit, and strengthen and guide
us to love and serve you and our neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Praise: A Song of the Spirit of Wisdom (Wisdom 7:7-8, 10-14a)
I prayed and understanding was given me; *
I called on God and the Spirit of Wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepters and thrones, *
and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.
I loved her more than health or beauty, *
and I chose to have her rather than light
because her radiance never ceases.
In her company, all good things came to me; *
in her hands, a wealth of true riches.
In all these good things, I rejoiced
because Wisdom brings them, *
but I did not know that she was their mother.
What I learned without selfishness I pass on without reserve; *
I do not hide her gifts.
For Wisdom is an unfailing treasure for mortals: *
those who receive her are friends with God.
Scripture:
1 John 3:11-18
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
Meditation:
Do not think that saintliness comes from occupation; it depends rather on what one is. The kind of work we do does not make us holy, but we may make it holy. –Meister Eckhart (1260-1329)
What work will we do today?
How will we make it holy?
Prayers:
Breath of God, inspire us with your guidance.
Come to us, Holy Spirit, and be present with us.
Wisdom of God, guide us to works of goodness and mercy.
Come to us, Holy Spirit, and be present with us.
Spirit of God, teach us to be faithful.
Come to us, Holy Spirit, and be present with us.
Here, the people may add particular intercessions or thanksgivings.
Hear our cry, O God.
And listen to our prayer.
Let us pray.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Gracious God: give us deeper reverence for the truth and such wisdom in the use of knowledge that your kingdom may be advanced and your name
glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Going Out
Wisdom knows and understands all things,
and she will guide us in our actions.