Today Is: Baptism of the Lord

Collect for: Baptism of the Lord
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Old Testament
Isaiah 42:1-7

1 Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. 4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law.' 5 Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it: 6 I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles, 7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.



Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

New Testament
Acts 10:34-38

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ -- He is Lord of all -- 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

Gospel
Matthew 3:13-17

Introduction to the Gospel:
Deacon:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Matthew's Gospel chapter 3, beginning at verse 13.

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?' 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, 'Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'

After the Gospel reading, the deacon elevates the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Prayers of the People

Prayers of the People for: Baptism of the Lord

First Sunday after Epiphany Brothers and sisters, by receiving the graces of our Baptism through faith, we have access to God our Father. Therefore, let us pray with confidence to Him for our needs and those of the whole world.

That the Church will continue to be a faithful instrument of the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That nations will resolve their conflicts by seeking justice and peace brought into the world through the Lord Jesus.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That the Christian community, made one by our common Baptism, will be brought into the unity of the faith.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That those preparing for Baptism and Confirmation will deepen their faith and become committed members of God's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That we, enlightened by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit will live out our Baptismal calling to be committed disciples of Christ.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That the Church will always stand up for and welcome the unborn, the poor, the persecuted, and the defenseless.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,ÿthrough the grace of our Baptism, You have brought us into a covenant relationship with You through Your Son Jesus Christ. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to be effective members of Your Church here on Earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN