1 Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice.
3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
5 May he live while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth.
7 In his days may righteousness flourish
and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles
render him tribute,
may the kings of Sheba and Seba
bring gifts.
11 May all kings fall down before him,
all nations give him service.
12 For he delivers the needy when they call,
the poor and those who have no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
and precious is their blood in his sight.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
- As you settle into your breath, bring your gifts before the Holy King.
- Free yourself of stumbling blocks, to-do lists, future plans.
- Put all of yourself into the gifts you bring to offer the Holy King.
- Keep these gifts before you as you notice the response of Jesus.
- How shall these gifts be used to glorify Jesus the Christ?
- How shall these gifts be used to help those who are oppressed and who are victims of violence?
- Listen for the response.
- Notice a place of lightening within you, a heightened sense of hearing or an aura of light that might capture your attention.
- Listen for the response.
- Hold these gifts before you throughout the day, listening and watching for direction.
- Be open to all you encounter.
- Visit these gifts again at the end of the day.
- What is God’s message for you?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, January 6, 2013, the Epiphany of the Lord (Year C)
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD