O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
45
*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 7:21-25, 1
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
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 11, beginning at verse 16.
16 But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, 17 and saying: 'We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children.' 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'
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, we are no longer under condemnation because of Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us go confidently to the Father with our requests.
That the Church, through Her expressions of love, will reveal the love of God to a lost and dying world.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are persecuted for the sake of the Gospel will be set free from their suffering and their oppressors converted.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will take seriously the call to share the Good News of the Gospel with our family, friends, neighbors, and associates at every opportunity.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are burdened by addictions, homelessness, unemployment or a wayward child, will find their rest in Jesus.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That all children will be seen as treasured gifts from God and raised up in the ways of the Lord.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will bear one another’s burdens and embrace the yoke of Jesus.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, You have poured out Your love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to love one another as Jesus has loved us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.