Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-14
10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
126
*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 5:16-24
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
John 1:6-8, 19-28
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 John.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from John's Gospel chapter 1, beginning at verse 6.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?' 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, 'I am not the Christ.' 21 And they asked him, 'What then? Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the Prophet?' And he answered, 'No.' 22 Then they said to him, 'Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?' 23 He said: 'I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Make straight the way of the LORD,' ' as the prophet Isaiah said.' 24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, 'Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?' 26 John answered them, saying, 'I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.' 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
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, trusting in God's mercy, let us bring our petitions before Him. That the Church will proclaim the Good News of peace with God through Jesus Christ alone.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That elected leaders will be people of integrity and put an end to corruption and injustice.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That young people will respond to the challenges of the Gospel enthusiastically and further Gods kingdom to the next generation.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the people of God will not quench the Holy Spirit but earnestly desire and seek His Gifts.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who are burdened by suffering and despair will be touched by the healing power of Christ.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the sick or near death will be comforted by the love of God and the care of the Christian community.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, You are faithful in all Your ways. Hear our prayer and sanctify us that we may be found holy and blameless at the coming of Your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN