Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Micah 5:2-4
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
80
*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 10:5-10
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Luke 1:39-45, 46-55
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 Luke.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Luke's Gospel chapter 1, beginning at verse 39.
39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.' 46 And Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.'
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 the Lord is very near, let us confidently approach Him with our needs and those of the whole world.
For the Church; that She will remain faithful to God's call to make disciples of all nations.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the nations; that they will raise up leaders who will know and do God's Will.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those seduced by materialism and greed; that they will have their minds renewed and their lives characterized by generosity and goodwill.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who are preparing to give birth; that they will see the child as a gift from God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who are planning to travel to visit family and friends; that they will reach their destinations safely and enjoy their time together.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who suffer from loneliness, fear, and depression; that they will experience the love and peace that only God can give them.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who have lost loved ones; that they will be reminded of God's promise to restore all things at the return of Jesus.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Almighty God, You are always faithful to Your promises. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to be faithful to Your leading. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN