The First Sunday of Epiphany
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer:
Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Jesus Shall Reign” – Tarkwa Crusaders Choral, Ghana
- Jesus shall reign where’er the sun, Doth his successive journeys run;
His Kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more. - To Him shall endless prayer be made. And princes throng to crown His head,
His name like sweet perfume shall rise With every morning sacrifice. - People and realms of every tongue, Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on His name. - Blessings abound where’er He reigns: The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
The weary find eternal rest, And all the sons of want are blest. - Where He displays His healing power, Death and the curse are known no more;
In Him the tribes of Adam boast More blessings than their father lost. - Let every creature rise and bring Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the loud Amen.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17 (NLT)
The Baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.
After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
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“You’re Beautiful” – Phil Wickham
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Intercession:
Lord God of heaven and earth: Your unfailing love lasts forever;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.
Hear our prayers –
+ For those who lead the nations of the world, that they may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and
truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true religion and virtue….
+ For those who proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, that they may fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey you….
+ For those who shepherd your people, that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments….
+ For those who follow you with reverent and obedient hearts, that we may hear and receive your holy Word, and
serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives….
+ For those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, that may receive your comfort, healing, and deliverance from all harm….
Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Everlasting God” – Lincoln Brewster
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Closing: (Psalm 42:1)
Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 