Saturday Morning Prayers for Epiphanytide (January 18)

Morning Prayer – Terce – from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

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January 18: Confession of St. Peter

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Opening

Wisdom knows and understands all things
and guides us in our actions.

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

Matthew 16:13-20

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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.

(take time in the silence to add particular intercessions or thanksgivings.)

Lord’s Prayer

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.

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.