Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Jonah 2:1-9
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
29
*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 10:6-11
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 14:22-33
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 14, beginning at verse 22.
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' 28 And Peter answered Him and said, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' 29 So He said, 'Come.' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!' 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God.'
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, as God's people, we are gathered together to celebrate the mystery of Christ love. Knowing that love, let us ask God our Father to fulfill our needs and those of the whole world as may be best for us.
That the Church will courageously and joyfully proclaim the living Word of God to all people.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the Patriarch, all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons will lead God's people in faith and serve them in love.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the Lord will bless the nations with peace.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who suffer from fear or anxiety will be overwhelmed by God's peace and be mindful of the Lord's presence and protection.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we, like Jesus, will give ourselves to prayer.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit will increase among us, especially the gift of faith.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Father of Mercy, You are the God of our Salvation.
Hear our prayer and give us the grace to faithfully serve You and walk in Your ways.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN