O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
1 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
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Matthew 5:21-26
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 5, beginning at verse 21.
21 You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
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, with hope and confidence, let us bring our needs and those of the whole world before our God and Father.
For the Patriarch and all Church leaders; that they will act with humility and integrity as they labor to lead their people and to spread the Gospel.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For nations torn apart by war and violence; that they will make every effort to find peace and reconciliation.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For communities suffering the effects of natural disasters; that they will be generously assisted by others.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who have any grievances against a neighbor; that they will receive the grace necessary to be reconciled.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who are sick or near death; that they will find comfort and healing through the promises of Christ and the compassion of His people.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the conversion of Islam and other world religions and philosophies that are in opposition to the Word of Truth.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God, You have told us that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man all that You have in store for those who love You. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to be thankful for all Your blessings, both now and forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN