Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
119
*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 13:8-14
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 18:12-20
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 18, beginning at verse 12.
12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 15 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. 18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.'
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 has promised that where two or three are gathered together in His name He will be in the midst of them. Therefore, let us bring our requests before Him.
That the Patriarch, all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons will continually speak the Word of the Lord with all boldness as watchmen over the house of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That world leaders will model the mercy of God in governing their people.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That artists, authors, entertainers, and producers will use their talents to glorify God and foster righteousness in the hearts of their hearers.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will earnestly desire the Gifts of the Spirit and use them for the common good.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who have been devastated by war, famine, or natural disasters will, through the compassion of the Church, experience the mercies of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are near death will be comforted by the promises of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Merciful and compassionate God, You have said that if we ask anything according to Your Will, You hear us. Hear us O Lord and answer our requests as they conform to Your Holy Will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN