Today Is: Baptism of the Lord
Sun, 09 Jan 2022 -- The Lectionary Cycle is: C

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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 Brothers and sisters, through the grace of our Baptism we have access to the Father and are able to bring our needs before Him. That the whole Church, made One through Her common Baptism, will strive toward unity, that the world will know that Jesus came from God the Father. Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer. That those who are suffering for the sake of the Gospel will be assured of God's abiding presence among them. Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer. That nations will acknowledge that their authority and the basic rights of those they govern come from God alone. Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer. That those who are without hope and searching for meaning in life will come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and realize His perfect plan for them. Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer. That those who are preparing for Baptism and Confirmation will have their faith deepened. Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer. That each of us will renew our own Baptismal covenant by renouncing the world, the flesh, and the devil and serve God and His Holy Church faithfully. Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer. God of all creation, Your favor rests upon Your beloved Son. Hear our prayer and fill us with Your Holy Spirit that, like Jesus, we may be instruments of Your goodness and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN