A PRAYER FOR EPIPHANY 2

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NIV)

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

O spirit of God

Rain down upon us the gift of wisdom

for we too often are a people of ignorance

We act on what we know not

and refrain from what we must do

We look upon our neighbor with suspicion

and believe the stranger to be dangerous

We desire wisdom to know when to act

and how we should engage

those whom we live in community

As see as our brothers and sisters

O spirit of God

Rain down upon us the gift of wisdom

for we too often are a people of ignorance

O Spirit of God

Bestow on us the gift of healing

for we are often a broken people

The lame clutter our streets

and the blind fill our beds

The suffering are too many to count

and their cries crowd the night

Enable us to bandage their wounds

and be healers of their pain

that they may spring from their mats

And dry their tears and recover from their heartache

 O Spirit of God

Bestow on us the gift of healing

for we are often a broken people

O Spirit of God

Pour upon us the gift of prophecy

for we are a people of silence

We refrain from speaking the truth

and fear the honesty which confronts

We observe violence without protest

and witness abuse with timidity

Give us the courage to break our silence

and speak the Word of Good News

To proclaim the reign of Jesus

and establish justice and peace throughout the land

O Spirit of God

Pour upon us the gift of prophecy

for we are a people of silence

O Spirit of God

Shower upon us the gift of discernment

for we are often a confused people

Multiple voices compete for our attention

and lay many paths before us

Numerous gods invite our worship

and predatory causes beg for allegiance and funding

Teach us the ways of truth

and the power to decipher falsehood

Open our eyes to the righteousness of our God

and the power of his living Spirit

O Spirit of God

Shower upon us the gift of discernment

for we are often a confused people

O Spirit of God

Bestow upon us the gifts

of wisdom and healing

prophecy and understanding

Amen