Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 4:1-9
1 Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
15
*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
James 1:13-18
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Mark 7:14-23
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 Mark.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Mark's Gospel chapter 7, beginning at verse 14.
14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, 'Hear Me, everyone, and understand: 15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!' 17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 So He said to them, 'Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?' 20 And He said, 'What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.'
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's ears are always open to the prayers of His children.
Therefore, let us petition Him for our needs and those of the whole world.
For the Church; that She will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit with faith and humility.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the Word of God, the fellowship of other believers and the sacraments of the Church.
For governments; that they will be guided by God's law and administer justice and mercy to all, especially the poor and the defenseless.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For God's people; that they will hold fast to His commandment to love as Christ has loved us.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our inner cities; that violence, hopelessness and fear will be replaced by peace, prosperity and revival.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the conversion of Islam and other world religions and philosophies that are in opposition to the Word of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For widows and orphans, the poor and the oppressed; that they will be protected and defended by God's grace and the care of God's people.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For parents and teachers; that they will teach, in both word and deed, the ways of the Lord to the next generation.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, every good and perfect gift comes from You.
Hear our prayer and keep us from the temptations that lead us into sin.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.AMEN