Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Isaiah 45:1-7
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
96
*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
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 22:15-22
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 22, beginning at verse 15.
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, 'Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?' 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, 'Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.' So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, 'Whose image and inscription is this?' 21 They said to Him, 'Caesar's.' And He said to them, 'Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.
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 by His infinite grace has chosen us to be His people.
Therefore, let us, with confidence, bring our needs before the Lord of all.
For the Church; that She will make visible the Kingdom of God on Earth.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the Patriarch, all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons; that their lives will inspire in their people a desire for a deeper relationship with Christ.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For elected officials; that they will build societies that respect all human life.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For this community; that we will live our lives in such a way that God's Name will be glorified, even among non-believers.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the safety of those who protect and defend us at home and abroad.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the conversion of Islam and other world religions and philosophies that are in direct contradiction to the Word of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who are without hope or suicidal; that they will see in Whose image they are created and surrender to Him.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God Most Holy, You have created us in Your image. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to be transformed in such a way as to reflect Your love to those we meet. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN