Universal Prayers for The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Cycle A

Sunday and Feast Day Universal Prayers 
  

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SAMPLE UNIVERSAL PRAYERS

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Cycle A

January 4, 2026

Priest:  Through Jesus, our light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines upon us.  With confidence in the love God has for us, we lift our voices together in prayer:

Deacon (or other reader if there is no deacon):

·        For the Church, that we may joyfully make known to others the Good News that Christ dwells among us, we pray to the Lord...

·        For our world, that we may be blessed with peace between nations, peace within families, and peace within our hearts, we pray to the Lord...

·        For those displaced from their homes by political instability, violence, and economic hardship, that they may be welcomed into our communities and provided with opportunities for a better life, we pray to the Lord...

·        For those suffering physical or mental illness, that they may find healing when they turn to God in faith, we pray to the Lord…

·        For all who have died, especially [add deceased names or “parishioners of” (add name)], and the intentions of this mass [add mass intentions], may they dwell secure with the Lord forever, we pray to the Lord...

·        In silence, we pray for own needs and the special intentions of others, to the God who promises to return for those who live in his love… [pause; the presider alone concludes…]

Priest: Merciful Father, you sent your Son Jesus to be a light in our darkness, that people of all nations might come to walk by your shining radiance.  May we raise our eyes to you for guidance, embrace the gift of your grace in our lives, and follow closely in your ways, our hearts overflowing with joy at being called to be your beloved children.  Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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LITURGY NEWS AND NOTES:

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Cycle A

January 4, 2026

1.       A sample penitential act could be:

Lord Jesus, you dispel the darkness of sin and death; Lord, have mercy.  

Christ Jesus, you reveal in us the mysteries of the Father; Christ, have mercy.  

Lord Jesus, you shine forth with the glory of God; Lord, have mercy.

2.     A vigil Mass is celebrated before or after Evening Prayer I of the Epiphany.  The same readings for the Mass during the Day are used; however, prayer texts are proper to the vigil.  

3.     Although the prayer texts are different, the same rubrics apply to both the vigil and the Mass during the Day.

4.    If you did the sprinkling rite on Christmas, continue to do so today.  Any form of the PA is offered if a sprinkling rite does not occur.  

5.     Sing the Gloria in full splendor.  The creed is prayed. 

6.    The chanting of the Epiphany Proclamation may take place after the Gospel. 

7.     To highlight the festivity of these Christmas days, presiders might consider changing the introductory dialogue and the preface to the Eucharistic Prayer.  Use the Preface of the Epiphany of the Lord. 

8.    If EP-I is prayed, use the proper form of the Communicantes. 

9.    Presiders may offer the SB #4.