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
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
51
*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
Hebrews 5:5-10
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
John 12:20-28
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 12, beginning at verse 20.
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.' 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, 'The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. 27 Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.' Then a voice came from heaven, saying, 'I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.'
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, God is the provider of all our needs.
Let us therefore offer our prayers to the God whose ears are always open to us.
That the Church will follow Christ's path of service and self-sacrifice.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That nations will seek peace and reconciliation.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are preparing for Baptism and Confirmation will be filled with the joy of the Lord.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the cries of those who suffer from poverty and homelessness will be heard by those who are able to meet their needs.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those living in despair and hopelessness will be drawn into the loving embrace of Christ.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That during this Lenten season we will receive the grace to amend our lives and conform our ways to the will of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are near death will remain faithful and be encouraged by the promise of eternal life.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Covenantal God, You have written Your law deep within our hearts.
Hear our prayer and give us the grace to die to ourselves that we may be raised to newness of life.We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN