ZF2: I need a universal method to initialize various elements (before action), without duplicating my code in every other controller action. Settings were just an example. Reference: http://zend-framework-community.634137.n4.nabble.com/ZF2-Doing-something-before-calling-the-controller-action-td4656922.html#a4656934

gistfile1.php

For universal solution you may want to try this one, it will work for all Controllers within single Module: 
class Module 
{ 

    // Evan's changing layout for specific module only 
    public function init(ModuleManager $moduleManager) { 
        $sharedEvents = $moduleManager->getEventManager()->getSharedManager(); 
        $sharedEvents->attach(__NAMESPACE__, 'dispatch', function($e) { 
            $controller = $e->getTarget(); 
            // do your stuff with controller 
        }, 100); 
    } 
}