Prayers of the People: The Baptism of Jesus

            BAPTISM ~ is a Sacrament, a Rite of Initiation, or admission, or adoption into the Christian faith. A simple definition is that the word comes from a hybrid of Latin and Greek and literally means "washing." John, who Baptizes Jesus in today's Gospel reading, used it as a sacrament in his messianic rituals and it has roots in the Jewish tradition as a ritual of purification.          
                 Depending on denomination, there may or may not be infant baptism sometimes called Christening, or there may be no baptism for anyone at all. In those churches that do baptize, baptism may be by immersion - standing in water while water is poured over the upper body, submersion - one's whole body being dipped under and out of the water three times, aspersion, or affusion with aspersion as the sprinkling of the water, while affusion is pouring water over the head. As there are many methods, there are as many reasons given for and against the ritual that is sacred to some. 
                                                     The Gospels are pretty clear that Jesus was baptized by a somewhat reluctant John who thought that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus prevails - as he does with the footwashing and Peter later on - and we hear the words of God directly who announces "This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Of course we don't know if everyone present heard God, but isn't the warmth and satisfaction within all of us when we think about a moment (maybe exceedingly rare) when a parent announces pleasure or pride in us or for something we've done? Let it be so with us again, that we may please the One Parent who matters most!  Jesus rises for the first time from the waters of Baptism.  Let us walk with Him through to the time he rises again...

Prayers of the People:  Baptism of the Lord, Jan 12, 2014        Readings:  Is 42:1-9, Ps 29, Acts 10:34-43, Mt 3:13-17

The Leader: ~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, in Your immersion into the Living Waters of Baptism by trusting the hands of John, we discover that our path to righteousness is through You. Help us to live our lives as a reflection of that trust, purified by the inspiration of Your Goodness and Peace.

 Jesus, Fount of Living Water, sanctify our hearts and cleanse our souls,
Response: We put our trust in You.

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, You are the Covenant God has given even to the lowliest of us; the Wellspring of Glory and Splendor that can reach into the darkest of hearts and blindest of eyes. Open our hearts and eyes, and animate our wills and feet to answer our call to follow You.

Jesus, Fount of Living Water, sanctify our hearts and cleanse our souls,
We put our trust in You.

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, anointed with the Holy Spirit and the Power of Goodness, we find in You the Perfect Example of humility and the Ideal of Servant as Leader. Impart this special grace to all those who govern in this world in order that they may work together and with us to seek peace, equity, and healing mercy for all. We pray especially for: add your own petitions here.

Jesus, Fount of Living Water, sanctify our hearts, cleanse our souls and strengthen us to do as You will us. 
We put our trust in You.

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, we ask You to shower with Your healing mercies all those who are ill or filled with worry and dread and for those who care for them. Let them feel Your Glory within and know the Spirit of Hope has descended upon them. We pray especially for: add your own petitions here.

Jesus, Fount of Living Water, sanctify our hearts and cleanse and heal our souls. 
We put our trust in You. 

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, we mourn the loss of those we love who have returned to the Source of all life. We know they live again with You, yet we ask for Your strength and peace to find solace in our hearts and joy in the memories. We pray especially for the repose of: add your own petitions here.

Jesus, Fount of Living Water, sanctify our hearts, cleanse and soothe the sadness in our souls. 
We put our trust in You.

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, Your Presence is gentle enough to cajole us and strong enough to cause the oaks to whirl and shake the wilderness. Speak in gentle tones to those who would lead Your Church so they will be moved to whirl the oaks in Your name with grace, wisdom, and strength of spirit. We pray especially for: add your own petitions here.

Jesus, Fount of Living Water, sanctify our hearts and cleanse our souls, 
We put our trust in You.


Celebrant adds: Jesus, our Christ, You rise first from the Living Water of Baptism to bring New Life to carry us through to the time that You will rise again to carry us through eternity. You cleanse us with Your Holy Water, anoint us with the Holy Spirit, and walk with us on the life-path you set before us. We pray that You will be well-pleased with who we strive to become in Your Holy Name. Amen.

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