Epiphany Star Words & House Blessing
The use of star words, “star gifts,” is a prayer practice connected to Epiphany and the new year based on a list of intention words, or guiding words.
There are several theological statements being made in this tradition:
The Magi followed a star, which ultimately led them to Jesus. Therefore, we too use all the resources we have available to us—including creative prayer practices and intention words for the new year—to move closer to Jesus.
We trust that God uses multiple ways to guide us and speak to us. Star words are one such lens that might provide us a way to look for God in our midst, both actively and in hindsight.
We trust that it is often easy to miss God in our daily midst. Having an intention word to consider both in present days, as well as to reflect on at the end of the year, allows for us to see God in ways we may not have seen God before. This is the greatest gift.
The most common prayer practice for many involves speaking to God as opposed to silence or contemplation. We believe that star words invite a new prayer rhythm of reflection and review that can be a powerful new way to connect with God.
By allowing random selection, we practice the spiritual task of receiving. It is not we who are in control in this moment. Instead, we trust that God is present, and we let go of our desire to cultivate or control.
Spin the wheel to receive an Epiphany Star Word
to contemplate during
the coming year.
Write your star word on a card (star shaped?) and place it somewhere you will see it regularly throughout the year to allow consistent reflection on how God has moved through, around, or in connection to that word.
How do you feel about your word?
How does the word connect to your life?
What is one way you could live into your word in the coming week?
What scripture, phrase, or song can you carry with you to help you focus on your word?
An Epiphany Tradition
Deb Rosenberg, SAM is available to do this blessing of your home.
Please speak with her, email s.a.m@stmarkslnc.org, or call the church office
to arrange a time to have your home blessed.
It is a tradition in a number of cultures to pray a blessing over the home on the Feast of the Epiphany. Known colloquially as ‘chalking the door’ this Epiphany blessing is one way individuals and families can invite God’s blessing into their home and family life throughout the year.
The short version involves reading from scripture, tracing 20 +C +M +B+25 over the lintel of the main entrance to the home (inside or outside), and a short, shared prayer at the end. The longer version includes blessing all the rooms in the home.
• The numbers are for the current year.
• The letters C, M, B have two meanings: They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which stands for “May Christ bless the house.”
• The “+” signs represent the cross, a reminder it is through Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection that all grace flows and that it will be your family’s willingness to share each other’s crosses throughout the year that will be the greatest source of blessing for all who abide in and enter our homes.