Oh Great King of Kings, let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven for the sanctity of all human life. You have said that your Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Where there is unrighteousness let righteousness come to bear; where there is hostility, cause your peace to reign supreme and where there is sorrow, bring joy in the hearts of people. Lead us into your unshakable and everlasting kingdom in which you reign forever and ever, that truly the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of our God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.?Amen.
Old Testament
Genesis 1:26-28
1 Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
2
*At the end of the Psalms this is sung or said Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
New Testament
Romans 8:35-39
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 18:1-5
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 18, beginning at verse 1.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
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
Brothers and sisters, since Jesus is the Way to the Father, let us offer up our requests in His name.
That the Church will continue to be God's mouthpiece for the sanctity of every human life.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the culture of death in the world will give way to a culture which respects every life, through the power of Him who overcame death.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That nations will enact laws promoting the dignity of women, marriage, motherhood, and family.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those in the Pro-Life movement who have suffered ridicule, rejection, imprisonment or loss of personal property will be encouraged by us and mindful of their heavenly reward.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are impoverished, imprisoned or suffering from natural disaster will be aided by God's people and see Him as their refuge and strength.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That our children will remain faithful to the Gospel and the calling that God has on their lives.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of all creation, You are the sustainer of all life. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to proclaim Your Gospel throughout the whole earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN