Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
130
*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 8:8-11
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
John 11:18-27
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 John.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from John's Gospel chapter 11, beginning at verse 18.
18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Then Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.' 23 Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.' 24 Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' 25 Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?' 27 She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.'
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 we have been given the Spirit of Christ, we belong to God. As such, we have the right and the responsibility to pray for all those in need.
Therefore, let us bring our requests before Him. For the Church, that She will be the light of Christ to a lost and dying world.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For nations ravaged by poverty, sickness, and war, that they will be delivered from their oppression.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those incapacitated or tormented by fear, that the peace of God will indwell them richly.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those Christians who are persecuted for their faith.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those preparing for Baptism and Confirmation, that they will be empowered to live out their faith boldly.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit and His Gifts upon His people.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who have lost loved ones, that they will be comforted by the One who said 'I am the Resurrection and the Life'.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Father in heaven, just as Martha acknowledged to Jesus that You would give Him whatever He asked of You. So also, hear and answer our prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN