CTK – Epiphany – Prayer Resources – W/C 5/1/26
Hello everyone, and welcome back to CTKPray.
The prayer theme for this week is Epiphany.
Second Week of Christmastide – Year A (white cloth)
Chaplaincy Notices
- Welcome back!
- Tues 6th January is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord which is a Holy Day of Obligation. You are invited to watch the livestream Mass from the Good Shepherd Church at 12pm in the chapel with the opportunity to receive communion. Come down to the chapel Tues break to get a Mass pass.
- The Chapel will be shut on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th all day.
Here are some ways to introduce this week’s theme of Epiphany…
Extra-Ordo-Nary flip book
Read the theme and talk about what this word means to you in your pairs.
As a form, reflect on what Epiphany means to you all.
Watch this video
Prayer
Prayer
Lord God of heaven and earth,
you revealed your only Son to every nation
by the guidance of a star.
Bless our school and all who work or study here.
Fill us with the light of Christ
That our concern for others may reflect your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Take a quiet moment now to reflect on the word Epiphany and what it means to you.
Below you will find this week’s Gospel reading from Sunday’s mass and another piece of scripture on our prayer theme.
If you would like to explore your own scriptures, the link below will take you to open bible which allows you to explore scripture on any theme. Please use the English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK) translation –
https://www.openbible.info/topics/joy
Choose somebody in your form to read one of the scriptures below – you may also want to read this from the bible in your form room.
Sunday Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Glory to you O Lord
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Prayer Theme Scripture Isaiah 60:1-6
A reading from the prophet Isaiah
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes all round, and see;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from afar,
and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and exult,
because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
If your reading is from a Gospel, we invite you to say/ sing the Alleluia beforehand.
Let us take some time today to respond and reflect on our theme of Epiphany.
Please pick one of the below sections to help you to respond to this week’s theme. Let us know how your form gets on in the comments below.
Watch this video
Watch this video together. Each form will be provided with a piece of black paper and some chalk – take some time to ‘chalk the door’ to your form room and stick the black paper above the door to show that you have done this.
Let us know in the comment section at the bottom of this page when your form has done this…
Epiphany star
Send your form prayer rep down to the chapel to collect the star that you made for the Advent liturgy. Find a place to display it in your form room.
Reflect that the Magi brought gifts to Jesus.
On slips of paper, write:
- one gift you already have (a strength or talent),
- and one gift you want to offer this term (time, kindness, effort).
Add these around the star or on your prayer table to show that everyone has something to give.
Reflection
Pick one of the songs in the music tab to listen to.
As individuals or as a form, reflect on one or more of the following questions:
- The Magi followed a star even when they weren’t sure where it would lead – what helps you make good choices when you’re unsure — at school, with friends, or online?
- Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came for everyone – how can we make sure people in our form and school feel included and not left out?
- After meeting Jesus, the Magi didn’t go back the same way – can you think of a time when learning something new, or having an important conversation, changed how you acted or thought?
In the comment section below…
Answer one of these questions together as a form.
The feast of Epiphany reminds us that Jesus is revealed as the light of the world, guiding everyone toward God.
C – Care
Show care by noticing people who might feel left out or ignored. A simple “are you okay?”, sitting with someone new, or standing up for a classmate can make a real difference. Like the Magi who followed the light, let your actions point others toward hope and belonging.
A – Achieve
Achieve growth by being open to new ways of thinking. Epiphany challenges us to look beyond what’s familiar. Try to learn from your lessons, your faith, and the people around you letting God’s light shine through your choices.
R – Respect
Show Respect by valuing differences. The Magi came from different backgrounds, reminding us that God works through all kinds of people. Respect others’ opinions, cultures, and beliefs, even when they differ from your own.
E – Encounter
Encounter God by making space for prayer in your day. Even a quiet moment—on the bus, before bed, or during reflection—can help you recognise God’s presence. Ask Him to guide your decisions and help you be a light to others, just as Jesus is a light to the world.
You might want to create your own prayer on the theme of Epiphany that you have been reflecting on throughout the week, or you could use the prayer below.
God of all people,
by the light of a star,
you called seekers from afar,
revealing your Son to all nations.
May the light of your love
open our hearts to the whole human family.
God of compassion,
we recall how the questions of the Magi,
were met with Herod’s violence
and Rachel’s inconsolable grief.
May the light of your peace
illuminate our world so full of conflict.
God of grace,
the wise ones found the child,
the Light of the World,
and travelled home by another way.
May your guiding light lead us
to Jesus and the new ways of your kingdom.In the days ahead,
as we journey as pilgrims of hope,
may we walk together in constant trust
and faithful sharing of our gifts,
seeking the wisdom of your word,
and following the light of Christ.Amen.
An Epiphany Prayer: CAFOD website
Here are some song suggestions that you could use this week
This week in school, our theme is Epiphany.
Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world. It is a time to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s birth and to renew our commitment to following Him. For us, Epiphany is a time to recognise that Christ came for everyone and we see this reflected in the visit of the Magi and the gifts that they brought.
Conversation Starters
Use these questions to start a chat together
- What does the journey of the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus in our own lives today?
- Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came for everyone — how can we show this in the way we treat others?
- What gifts can we offer to God and to others with our time, talents, or kindness?
Prayer
God of all people,
by the light of a star,
you called seekers from afar,
revealing your Son to all nations.
May the light of your love
open our hearts to the whole human family.
God of compassion,
we recall how the questions of the Magi,
were met with Herod’s violence
and Rachel’s inconsolable grief.
May the light of your peace
illuminate our world so full of conflict.
God of grace,
the wise ones found the child,
the Light of the World,
and travelled home by another way.
May your guiding light lead us
to Jesus and the new ways of your kingdom.
In the days ahead,
as we journey as pilgrims of hope,
may we walk together in constant trust
and faithful sharing of our gifts,
seeking the wisdom of your word,
and following the light of Christ.
Amen.
An Epiphany Prayer: CAFOD website
Mission
Together, choose something to do:
House Blessing
Gather at the front door to your home. Using chalk, mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step, or a wall within your home) as follows:
20 + C + M + B + 26
saying:
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty-six years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
Then say the following prayer:
Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and for ever. Amen.
Follow the Star
Create a paper star to hang in your home. Take it in turns to share one way you can follow Jesus this week and write it on the star.
Gifts for Jesus
Think about your own gifts – how can you use your God given talents to help other people. Name one “gift” you can offer Jesus today (time, kindness, help). Say a short prayer together asking God to help you to share your gifts with others.
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