Creator of this new day, I rise in a fog of pandemic uncertainty, fear, and grief. It takes longer for my eyes to adjust each day to the newness you offer. It takes longer for my mind to begin considering the tasks and conversations that must happen to keep this world I know moving - and yet, you give me this new day. I feel the weight of the responsibility and lack the ability to carry it. I feel the hurt and pain of so many and lack the ability to comfort them. It is a slog - a daily pandemic slog.

We come to you this Epiphany day to ask for your grace. Forgive us when we stray. Forgive us when we turn away.

God of Grace, You claim the lost and broken. Your love makes us whole, but often we can’t see ourselves the way you see us - as beloved. We turn to deeds that numb our hurt, yet make us vulnerable and put us at risk. Enter in when we do. Speak through friends and others so loudly that we can’t help but know we are claimed. Stay with us in your steadfast love. Bring peace and healing. Amen

God of Love, You flow through our lives as a presence of peace and wholeness. Make a way for our lives to be grounded in you. May we follow your direction this day and always. Amen

What is my role in recognizing what I can control and what is controlling me? I know that all good things come from you, and yet I respond to life and the needs of the church and others with scarcity more often than I even realize.

God of all seas, I often lose heart. I often get lost in my own head. I often forget that you don’t expect me to be wise or wealthy.

Today I ask for strength and help. Today I ask that you come with me as I talk to others and in the quiet moments when I am left with myself. I look to the hills - and I know that you are there. I know that you are with me - help me see you there. Help me recognize you.

I pray this day for your people who stretch across this great earth - your creation. People who are different. People who are the same. The old and young. The rich and the poor. The lost and the broken.

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call.

God of Depth and Creation,

As night falls on this day, voices from the many conversations and from media serve to drown out my ability to hear you - to feel your presence with me.