The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Introduction
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany continues the season’s focus on revelation. We see not only who Christ is, but what his coming sets in motion. The light revealed at Epiphany now takes shape in calling, witness, and response. These readings draw our attention to voices that point beyond themselves: the servant called from the womb, the psalmist lifted from despair, a church grounded in grace, and John the Baptist who names Jesus as the Lamb of God.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary readings for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany and is suitable for congregational worship, preaching services, or gatherings shaped by themes of calling and discipleship.
The Lectionary Readings at a Glance
The readings for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany focus on God’s call, faithful witness, and the widening scope of God’s saving work.
In Isaiah 49:1–7, the servant of the Lord is called from the womb and named as a light to the nations. What appears small or unsuccessful in human eyes is revealed as part of God’s redemptive purpose, reminding the church that faithfulness often precedes visible fruit.
Psalm 40:1–11 gives voice to gratitude born from waiting. The psalmist testifies that God hears the cry of the patient and places a new song in their mouth, turning personal deliverance into public witness.
In 1 Corinthians 1:1–9, Paul addresses a divided community by grounding them again in grace. Before confronting conflict, he reminds them that they have been called, enriched, and sustained by God, lacking in no spiritual gift.
John 1:29–42 centers on testimony and invitation. John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, and the first disciples respond not with full understanding, but with curiosity and movement. Epiphany continues as revelation leads to relationship.
Together, these readings proclaim a God who calls, reveals, and invites—and a faith shaped by listening, witness, and response.
Call to Worship
One: Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
All: We come to see and to follow the One who is revealed among us.
One: God calls us by name and draws us into light.
All: We wait, we listen, and we respond in faith.
One: Come, let us worship the God who reveals and calls.
All: Let us follow Christ, the light of the world.
Opening Prayer
Calling God,
You speak our names before we know how to answer. You draw us into your purposes long before we understand the path ahead. As we gather in worship, open our ears to hear your voice, steady our hearts to trust your leading, and shape our lives to reflect the light revealed in Jesus Christ. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Faithful God,
You call us to follow, yet we confess that we hesitate. We doubt our worth, resist your direction, and settle for familiarity instead of faithfulness. We fail to trust that your grace is sufficient for our calling. Forgive us, O God. Renew us in mercy and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may live as people shaped by your light and truth. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, claimed, and sustained by grace.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for Illumination
Holy God,
As your Word is read and proclaimed, open our hearts to its truth. Help us to hear not only words on a page, but your living call to follow Christ. May your Spirit guide us into deeper faith and faithful response. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of grace and calling,
We thank you for revealing your Son and inviting us into his life. We pray for your church, that it may bear faithful witness to Christ in word and deed. We pray for those who feel forgotten or unworthy, that they may know they are called and held by your love. We pray for the nations, that justice and compassion may flourish. Lead us to follow where Christ goes, trusting your grace at work in us and through us. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Eternal God,
You have called us out of waiting into witness. As we go from this place, give us courage to follow Christ with trust and humility. May our lives point beyond ourselves to the light revealed in Jesus, in whose name we live and serve. Amen.
