Epiphany

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

Like the sun,

Let me rise to bring light!

Like a baby,

Let me be born to a new life!

Awaken me from my slumber,

so I can shine like a star

and lead others to YOU!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• What do you see when you look out into the future?
• Where is radiance found on earth today?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• How would you tell someone about the grace of God? What makes it such an amazing gift?
• What has God revealed to you in the past year? Month?  24 hours?

 Matthew 2:1-12

• Define the word, diligent. How do you/can you search diligently for God this year?
• Describe the joy Jesus brings to you, what makes this so?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What gifts do you see in the world today?
• How do you determine what riches are? In your definition, what countries in the world are the richest?
• Are there places on earth which you are drawn to go? What is there which you want to experience?
• Do you ever see dark clouds linger in groups of people?
• Is darkness always bad and light always good? Why or why not?
• What happens when darkness lingers in your life? How do you deal with it?
• How much value do you put on promises? How have your experiences formed this opinion?
• What or how do you give back to God? Do you feel obligated to give?  Why or why not?
• Are the promises God has made good enough to share? Make a list of ways you can do this.
• What role does God play in your life? Jesus?  The Holy Spirit?
• Is there someone in your life who needs you to embrace them?
• What can you do to find common ground with someone with whom you are struggling?
• What are you willing to give up in order to develop a relationship with God? Are sacrifices necessary?  Why or why not?
• Are there people or situations which you hid from? What message do you think Jesus would like to reveal to you about what you should do?

 

Closing Prayer (music lyrics to song “Rise Up” by Andra Day)

Leader:  When the silence isn’t quiet

 ALL:  And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe

Leader:  And I know you feel like dying

ALL:  But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet

Leader:  And move mountains

 ALL:  I’ll rise like the day

Leader:  I’ll rise unafraid

ALL:  I’ll rise up

Leader:  And I’ll do it a thousand times again

ALL:  And I’ll rise up

Leader:  High like the waves

ALL:  I’ll rise up…for YOU!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the past couple of months since the beginning of the new liturgical year (or since around Thanksgiving) and make a list of the gifts which you have received…NOT the tangible ones.  The holiday season can open up new insights, new relationships and shine light on situations in relationships.  Spend time thinking about the gifts opened to you, these can range from very personal to global depending on how much time you want to spend and how deep you want to go.  However, giving time to these special moments can bring new insight and reflect the true value of the gifts which you might have been too busy to accept!