Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Micah 3:5-12
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
43
*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 2:9-13
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 23:1-12
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 23, beginning at verse 1.
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' 8 But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
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, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. Therefore, let us join in by bringing our requests and those of the whole world before the God of all.
For a humble and merciful Church that expresses the unconditional love and forgiveness of God.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who work for peace and justice among the nations.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the poor, the homeless, the lonely and the addicted.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For racial reconciliation among peoples and nations.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those in the Pro-Life movement who have suffered ridicule, rejection, material loss, or imprisonment; that they will be comforted by Jesus' promises of eternal rewards.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For this community; that we will receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in order to know Christ better.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our children; that our words and deeds will be an image of Christ for them.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Eternal Father, You desire men and women to serve You in every generation.
Hear our prayer and give us the grace to bear witness to Your Holy Gospel to the next generation. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN