Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Isaiah 58:1-9
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
112
*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
1 Corinthians 2:12-16
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 5:13-20
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 5, beginning at verse 13.
13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 17 Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
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, with steadfast hearts, let us turn to the Lord, trusting in God’s mercy and power to answer our requests.
That the Church, like Simeon, will proclaim Jesus as Messiah, the Savior of all creation.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the powerful and influential of the world will hear God's call to be peacemakers.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That Gods people will seek justice and mercy by working to defend the poor, the defenseless and the unborn.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the Name of the Lord will be glorified by our words and deeds.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we, as well as future generations, will walk in the Fruit of the Holy Spirit and be empowered by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That world religions and philosophies in opposition to the Word of God will recognize and acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That artists, authors, and producers will dedicate their talents to glorifying God and encouraging the hearts and minds of mankind for good.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Eternal God, Jesus our faithful High Priest has overcome the consequences of sin and so we have access to Your heavenly Throne. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to see others with Your eyes. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN