Today Is: Wednesday in Holy Week

Collect for: Wednesday in Holy Week
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament
Isaiah 50:4-9

4 The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. 5 The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away. 6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. 7 For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9 Surely the Lord GOD will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up.



Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

New Testament
Hebrews 12:1-3

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

Gospel
John 13:21-32

Introduction to the Gospel:
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 13, beginning at verse 21.

21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.' 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 25 Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, 'Lord, who is it?' 26 Jesus answered, 'It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.' And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, 'What you do, do quickly.' 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, 'Buy those things we need for the feast,' or that he should give something to the poor. 30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. 31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, 'Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately.

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

Prayers of the People for: Wednesday in Holy Week

Brothers and sisters, it is the sovereign Lord who helps us. Therefore, let us bring our needs before Him.

That the Church will remain faithful even during times of persecution.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That the Patriarch, all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons will live lives holy and pleasing to the Lord that the Father will be glorified even among non-believers.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That nations will put aside violence, aggression, and selfish interests and defend the poor, the powerless and the oppressed.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That just as Jesus destroyed the works of the devil may we continue to participate in establishing God's Kingdom on earth.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That we will watch and pray that we will not fall into temptation.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That during this Lenten season we will examine our conscience, and our ways and meditate on the love God has demonstrated to us through Christ our Lord.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, through Your Son Jesus our faith is being perfected. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to persevere in the Faith and not grow weary. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN