Today Is: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Collect for: Fourth Sunday of Easter
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

New Testament
Acts 13:26-39

26 Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead. 31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings -- that promise which was made to the fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.' 34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: 'I will give you the sure mercies of David.' 35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: 'You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.' 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm
Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
The True Shepherd of Israel, is also the Lamb of God

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
The True Shepherd of Israel, is also the Lamb of God

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
The True Shepherd of Israel, is also the Lamb of God

*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
Revelation 7:9-14

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.' 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, 'Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?' 14 And I said to him, 'Sir, you know.' So he said to me, 'These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

Gospel
John 10:22-30

Introduction to the Gospel:
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 10, beginning at verse 22.

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, 'How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.' 25 Jesus answered them, 'I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. 30 I and My Father are one.'

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

Prayers of the People for: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Brothers and sisters, Jesus is risen and has given us access to the Father, therefore, let us bring our needs before Him.

That the Church will boldly proclaim that peace with God and eternal life flows from Christ alone.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That all Bishops, Priest, and Deacons, like the Good Shepherd, will feed, equip and intercede for their flock.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That governments will root out corruption and administer righteous laws without prejudice.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That women who are expecting an unwanted child will consider adoption over abortion.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That young men and women will respond to the call of God to serve Him and His people in future generations.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That artists, authors, songwriters and film producers will use their talents to glorify God and influence people to righteous living.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That we will listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd and do what He says.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

Most Merciful God, You sent Your Son that we may be justified with You through Him. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to be living examples of such a great Salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN