Live in the rhythm of the Church Year.

Introit

Psalm 72:1–2, 10–11 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Antiphon

liturgical text

Gradual

Isaiah 60:6b, 1 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Verse

Matthew 2:2b (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Source: LCMS One-Year Series Propers Chart (opens in a new tab). Citations only; no liturgical or Scripture text is reproduced.

Historical Collect — Epiphany

O GOD, Who by the leading of a star didst manifest Thy Only-Begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of Thy glorious Godhead; through the same, Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book (Baltimore, 1893), Introits and Collects for the Church Year (opens in a new tab). Public-domain text (published 1893), transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of the Princeton Theological Seminary Library copy.

Prayers of the Church for January 6, 2026 — Responsive Form

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

O God, You have made Yourself known to all nations in the person of Your Son. Grant us a right knowledge of Him, that we would abandon the darkness of this world and embrace the joy of His heavenly light. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, You have appointed pastors to make known the mystery of Your grace. Grant them [and especially _____________] the boldness of St. Paul to speak what You have revealed to them in Your Word, that we would worthily partake of all Your gifts. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son as the Savior of the world, that all the families of the nations might worship before You. Bless the families of this congregation with Your grace and protection, that they might remember You in both joy and trouble and worship before You forevermore. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Enlighten, O Lord, the rulers of this world by the proclamation of Your wisdom, which casts down the proud and raises up the lowly. Work peace and justice in our land, and give free course to Your blessed Gospel. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, You have made us fellow heirs of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Remember all those who are afflicted and in need of deliverance [including _____________]. Hear their prayers, provide help and deliverance according to Your will, and preserve them in the faith until that day when their eternal healing is fully revealed. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, You brought the Magi of old to worship Your Son, Jesus, and so You have brought us to worship Him also. Receive our gifts and give us Jesus in His body and blood, that we may return home according to Your holy way. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Lord, as Your Son was once found in the arms of the Virgin Mary, so now is He found in Your Holy Christian Church. Cause Your Word to abide richly among us, that many would be led to Christ through our witness. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

All these needs, gracious Father, and whatever else You know that we need, grant for the sake of Him who shattered this world’s darkness with everlasting light, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — One-Year 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.