The Epiphany of the Lord celebrates Christ revealed to all the nations, when the Magi followed the star to Bethlehem and offered him gold, frankincense and myrrh. In the United States the solemnity is moved to the Sunday between January 2 and 8, so in 2027 it falls on Sunday, January 3; elsewhere it is kept on January 6. Below are four complete sets of Prayers of the Faithful for the Epiphany, echoing the readings of the day: “Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem” (Isaiah 60), the Gentiles made co-heirs (Ephesians 3) and the Magi (Matthew 2).
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
How to use these intercessions
The priest introduces the Universal Prayer and says the closing prayer; a deacon, cantor or reader announces the intentions, and the people respond (GIRM 69–71). The readings of the Epiphany are the same every year, so these sets can be used in any year.
Set 1: For the parish Mass
Priest: Like the Magi who came from the East, let us bring our gifts of prayer to Christ, the light of all nations.
- For the Church, that she may be a light for every people and lead them to Christ, as the star led the Magi, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the leaders of nations, that unlike Herod they may protect the weak and the innocent and seek the good of all, let us pray to the Lord.
- For migrants, refugees and all who travel far from home, that they may find a welcome and reach a place of safety, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who are searching for God, that they may follow the light he gives them and find Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that in this new year we may offer Christ the gold of our love, the incense of our prayer and the myrrh of our sacrifices, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our beloved dead, that they may see the glory of God face to face, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Father, you revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Hear our prayers, and lead us to the light of his glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 2: With the blessing of homes
Many parishes bless chalk on the Epiphany so that families can mark their doors with the year and the initials of the Magi. See the Epiphany house blessing.
Priest: Christ came to dwell among us. Let us pray for our homes and all who live in them.
- For all Christian families, that Christ may be the guest of every home in the year to come, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who have no home, and for families who have been forced to flee, that they may find shelter and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who will enter our homes this year, that they may find there kindness and hospitality, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the sick and the elderly in our homes and in nursing homes, that they may be cared for with love, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish community, that we may be one family in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Lord God, bless our homes and all who live in them, and let your peace remain with us throughout this year. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 3: For a children’s Mass
Short intentions that children can read.
- For the Church, that she may shine like the star of Bethlehem, let us pray to the Lord.
- For children all over the world, that they may know that Jesus loves them, let us pray to the Lord.
- For children who are poor or sick, that they may receive the gifts of help and care, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our families, that we may give Jesus the gift of our love, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Dear God, the Magi brought gifts to baby Jesus. Help us to give him our hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 4: For the missions
The Epiphany is a feast of the Church’s mission to all peoples; in many countries a collection is taken for the missions in Africa or for the Holy Childhood Association.
- For missionaries throughout the world, that they may bring the light of Christ to every nation, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the young Churches of Africa, Asia and Oceania, that they may grow in faith and in vocations, let us pray to the Lord.
- For Christians who live as a small minority, and for those who are persecuted, that they may be strengthened and protected, let us pray to the Lord.
- For children in poor countries, that the generosity of Christian children may help them to live in dignity, let us pray to the Lord.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Epiphany in 2027?
In the United States and other countries that move it to Sunday, on Sunday, January 3, 2027. Where it is kept on its traditional date, on Wednesday, January 6.
What do the gifts of the Magi mean?
Gold for a king, frankincense for God, and myrrh for one who would die, as the Church has explained since the early Fathers.