COLLECT
Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit:
grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,
that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
READINGS
Luke 3.15-17, 21-22
15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
The Baptism of Jesus
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
Acts 8.14-17
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 43.1-7 (St Mary’s, Olveston only)
Restoration and Protection Promised
43But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up’, and to the south, ‘Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’
PRAYERS
Eternal God, as we come before you in prayer this morning we remember Jesus’ baptism anoint our worship and lives with your Holy Spirit
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Faithful God, we pray for your church throughout the world, for wisdom and guidance for the leaders of all Christian denominations.
We ask for your protection for Christians suffering persecution especially those in Yemen and Nigeria and pray that a way forward may be found for tolerance and understanding.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Merciful God, help us as we pray for peace in this troubled world.
We continue to pray for the people and governments of Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, Israel, Syria and Sudan. We pray that justice and honesty will overcome killing and hatred.
Lord God, Shine the light of your love in to these dark places.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Gracious God, during the season of Epiphany we pray for all people who are searching for you. Give them the perseverance of the wise men. And if they meet us on their journey, help us to give them clear and helpful directions.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Father God, your Son lived the life of a human child and young man in Nazareth. We thank you for his presence with us in our homes and lives. Guide us in our relationships with family and neighbours, especially those in trouble or need and bless those who have supported and enriched our own lives.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Loving God, there are many people we know who are going through painful and worrying times. Some are lonely, some have lost their way, some are sick, and some are grieving. In a moment of silence I ask you now to name anyone on your mind this morning.
Father, we ask you grant them your comfort, guidance, healing and peace.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Gracious God, as we begin this New Year, help us to remember the things that are truly important and worthwhile. Help us to see how you want us to serve you. Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one day at a time.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
PRAYERS
Please pray for Linda, Jennifer and Sue.
Please pray for the family and friends of:
Maureen Sandford – Funeral at St. Helen’s on Friday 17th January at 2.30 pm
Shirley Gunary – Funeral Thursday 23rd January at 1 pm St Mary’s, Olveston.
Brenda Pullin – Funeral Friday 31st January at 12 pm at St Johns, Aust
Rose Sansom.
MORNING PRAYER BY ZOOM As churches, we meet for prayer every morning, Monday through Friday, from 8.30 am on Zoom. You can join by clicking the link on the welcome page on our website: www.revsrural.com.