The Last Sunday of Epiphany
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer:
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________
“He Sits Enthroned” (Psalm 99) – Sons of Korah
_________
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)
(NLT)
The Transfiguration
Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.
Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.
Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.
As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
__________
“Be Not Afraid” – John Michael Talbot
__________
Intercession:
Almighty and everliving God, Inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. We pray especially –
+ That you lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness; Grant that our leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true religion and virtue.
+ That you give grace to all Church leaders, that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments.
+ That you give your heavenly grace to our worshiping congregations, that with reverent and obedient hearts we may hear and receive your holy Word, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives.
+ That you prosper all those who proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, and strengthen us to fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that you have commanded.
+ That in your goodness, you may comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness of body, mind, or spirit, or any other adversity especially those suffering persecution for their faith.
+ Almighty and everliving God, 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.
__________
“We Have Seen His Glory” – Praise And Harmony Singers
__________
Closing: Philippians 3:9-11(NLT)
“God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”
__________
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 