O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Genesis 50:15-21
1 Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
103
*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 14:9-12
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 18:21-35
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 21.
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' 22 Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.'
After the Gospel reading, the deacon can elevate the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayers of the People
Brothers and sisters, mindful of our many needs, let us approach God and humbly ask for His abundant grace and provisions for us and for the whole world.
That the Church will take seriously the Ministry of Reconciliation committed to Her by Christ.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the Church will humbly put aside Her divisions and prejudices and work toward unity.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the leaders of nations will courageously seek reconciliation and peace.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who have been involved in abortions will repent and find the true forgiveness offered to them through Christ Jesus.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will be a thankful people, remembering God's great mercy toward us.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the poor, the abandoned, the homeless and the addicted will find their needs met in Christ and His people.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who care for the sick and dying will be filled with the compassion of Christ.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, great is Your Mercy toward us. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to demonstrate Your love and forgiveness to a lost and dying world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.