The Third Sunday of Epiphany

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

God of salvation, the splendor of your glory dispels the darkness of earth, for in Jesus Christ we behold the nearness of your kingdom. Give us grace to readily answer his call and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Only A Holy God” – CityAlight

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-22 (NLT)

The Ministry of Jesus Begins

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali,
beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
in Galilee where so many Gentiles live,

the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
a light has shined.”

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
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“Fishers of Men” – Rhonda Vincent

Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men

Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men

Peter, John, and James
Could never be the same
After they heard him say
I’ll make you fishers of men

He said, Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men

Cast your nets aside
And join the battle tide
He will be your guide
To make you fishers of men

Jesus bore the cross
To gather in the lost
Oh what a mighty cost
To set us free from sin

He said, Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men
He said, Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men
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Intercession:

Sovereign Lord, you alone are our defense our fortress against our enemies. You have examined our hearts and know everything about us. Hear us now and help us as we come to your throne of mercy and grace. We pray especially –

+ For your guidance and strength to support us in our times of trouble, and through our daily challenges….

+ For clean hands and pure hearts that we may live quiet, godly lives that honor the glory of your name….

+For an abiding awareness of the presence of your Spirit with us everywhere and in every circumstance….

+ For faithfulness to your calling and purpose for our lives as you reveal it over time, stage by stage….

+ For harmony among your people around the world, that we may be united in thought and purpose….

+ For healing, strength and comfort for those innocents who suffer from the effects of war and violence….

Sovereign Lord, you are our defense, our fortress, and our ever-present help – refresh our hope and renew our hearts we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“A Mighty Fortress is our God” – Martin Luther

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Closing: (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.