A Prayer for the Epiphany Wine-Tasting Party of Providence Church (CREC) in Pensacola,FL:
Our Father and our God, your riches abound far higher than the fortunes of Abraham and Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The cattle on a thousand hills are yours, the wealth of Egypt, yes, even the gold, frankincense, and myrrh of the nations belong to you! All glory and strength to the Epiphany King who revealed himself among the Gentiles and makes himself known even in our presence on this night.
Father, Son, and Spirit, Your majesty is adored by every square inch of creation, for even the invisible things bow down before you. As we gather this evening to celebrate the fruitfulness of life, and the abundance of kindness, the wonder of the incarnation, and now the glory of the revealed Son, we join our voices in triumphal praise to the One who befriended us and established a communion of peace in our midst at Providence Church.
We give thanks that the Nazarite vows have been fulfilled in the greater Samson and that no ruler can keep us from tasting of your goodness in wine; nor the impositions of men can bind our conscience, but only the marker of love and temperance can keep us sober and full of festive shouts in the assembly.
We drink wine tonight, for you are a God of freedom who conquered our hearts when we were enslaved to our passions. As the Apostle declares, where there is liberty, there is love and peace and truth and righteousness. Guard us against abusing your gifts, the gift of wine, and especially the gift of gratitude.
May we see these glassy chalices as signs of the overflow of heaven to earth and heartily give thanks to the giver of all good things. So far be it from us to turn our backs to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose name is blessed and worthy to be praised and who gives us all things richly to enjoy. So, we entreat you; give us hearts that flourish with thanksgiving as we toast the King of glory; who is this King of glory? Yahweh mighty in battle!
May we drink believing that our very bodies and souls are in communion with you, for your covenant promises are yes and amen! As we salute and savor the prince of peace with every glass of wine, may our fortunes be passed down to our children and our children’s children and to those upon whom your favor rests.
May gratitude overflow, may the laughter of the saints outlast and outlive the laughter of the oppressors and persecutors; may your church sing as choirs of angels in exaltation, may wine gladden our hearts, food fill our bodies, and carols fill this house with your presence.
We pray these things in the name of the Lord of glory, the Savior of Israel, the prince of Salem, the Lion of Judah, the One who came, is coming and shall come again, and the One who exults over us with singing, and delights in our pleasure, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
