Prayer for the Baptism of our Lord
From the Liturgy of the Church of England:
The Lord be with you
(All) and also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
(All) We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
(All) It is right to give thanks and praise.
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
You celebrated your new gift of baptism
in signs and wonders at the Jordan.
Your voice was heard from heaven
to awaken faith in the presence among us
of your Word made flesh.
Your Spirit was seen as a dove,
revealing Jesus as your servant,
and anointing him with the oil of gladness
to preach the good news to the poor.
Therefore, as we celebrate the union of earth and heaven,
we rejoice to echo the song of the angels in heaven
for ever praising you and saying:
Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God of Hosts
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Glory be to you oh Lord most high
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.
Jesus calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Washed clean by the waters of baptism,
let us pray that we may live the life to which he has called us.
Lord Jesus, eternal Word,
proclaimed as the Messiah by John the forerunner,
hear us as we pray for all who proclaim your word …
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, baptizing with the Spirit and with fire,
strengthen us to withstand all the trials of our faith …
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, bringing forgiveness to all who repent,
teach your Church dependence on your grace …
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, fulfillment of the promises of old,
give hope to all who suffer or are ignored …
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, beloved Son of the Father,
anoint us with the gifts of your Holy Spirit …
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, bringer of hope,
share with all the faithful the riches of eternal life …
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus the Messiah,
in you the Father makes us and all things new.
Transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory.
Amen.
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