The Conversion of Paul

25 January
White
Invitation to Confession

We were once dead through the trespasses and sins in which we lived,

but now we are alive together with Christ.

Through him we have access in one Spirit to the Father,

to whom we humbly confess our sins.

cf Ephesians 2.1,5,18

Kyrie Confession

Open our eyes to your presence in our midst.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Turn our hearts from selfish ends.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Draw us into your company on the way.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

(or)

Lord Jesus, in your love you invite us to be your friends:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, in your joy you choose us to go out and bear fruit:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, in your power you send us to be your faithful witnesses:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Collect

Almighty God,

who caused the light of the gospel

to shine throughout the world

through the preaching of your servant Saint Paul:

grant that we who celebrate his wonderful conversion

may follow him in bearing witness to your truth;

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.

Lectionary

Principal Service

Jeremiah 1.4-10

Psalm 67

Acts 9.1-22

Matthew 19.27-end

(or)

Acts 9.1-22

Psalm 67

Galatians 1.11-16a

Matthew 19.27-30

Second Service

Ecclesiasticus 39.1-10 or Isaiah 56.1-8

Colossians 1.24 – 2.7

Evening Psalm

Psalm 119.41-56

Third Service

Ezekiel 3.22-end

Philippians 3.1-14

Morning Psalms

Psalms 66, 147.13-end

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

Alleluia.

Intercession

Encouraged by our fellowship with all the saints,

let us make our prayers to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, your Son called men and women to leave the past behind

them and to follow him as his disciples in the way of the cross. Look

with mercy upon those whom he calls today, marks with the cross

and makes his disciples within the Church …

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Your Son told his disciples not to be afraid, and at Easter breathed

on them his gift of peace. Look with mercy upon the world into

which he sent them out, and give it that peace for which it longs …

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Your Son formed around him a company who were no longer

servants but friends, and he called all those who obeyed him his

brother and sister and mother. Look with mercy upon our families

and our friends and upon the communities in which we share …

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Your Son sent out disciples to preach and to heal the sick. Look with

mercy on all those who yearn to hear the good news of salvation,

and renew among your people the gifts of healing …

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Your Son promised to those who followed him that they would sit

on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel and would share the

banquet of the kingdom. According to your promise, look with

mercy on those who have walked with Christ in this life and now

have passed through death …

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Almighty God,

you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,

with Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone:

so join us together in unity of spirit by their doctrine,

that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introduction to the Peace

Let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer at the Preparation of the Table

Almighty Father,

as we celebrate this holy sacrament of our redemption

may your Spirit fill us with the light of faith;

by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Preface

And now we give you thanks

because your Son Jesus Christ can call to his service

even those who persecute your Church,

and send them forth to the nations to preach the gospel,

teaching them the way of truth.

Extended Preface

It is indeed right and good,

our duty and our joy,

at all times and in all places

to give you thanks and praise,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For on this day he called to his service

the blasphemer and persecutor of your Church.

Saul, who had resisted your grace,

became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Because he was faithful and true in his ministry,

you made him an example of patient service,

to instruct in the way of eternal life

all those who heard his preaching and believed your word.

Now, therefore, he who became your chosen instrument

for the salvation of the nations

has made us also eager to proclaim your mercy,

and sing in union with all the powers of heaven

the joyful hymn of your praise:

Post Communion



of Apostles and Evangelists

Almighty God,

who on the day of Pentecost

sent your Holy Spirit to the apostles

with the wind from heaven and in tongues of flame,

filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel:

by the power of the same Spirit

strengthen us to witness to your truth

and to draw everyone to the fire of your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(or)

Lord God, the source of truth and love,

keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,

united in prayer and the breaking of bread,

and one in joy and simplicity of heart,

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing

May Christ who called Paul to his service,

and to preach the good news to the world,

strengthen you to witness to his grace and love.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Short Passages of Scripture

The Lord said, ‘Paul is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring

my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel.’

Acts 9.15

Paul took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he

broke it and began to eat. Then all were encouraged.

Acts 27.35

I am unfit to be called an apostle,

because I persecuted the Church of God,

but by the grace of God I am what I am.

1 Corinthians 15.9,10

 

Common Worship: Festivals, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2008 and published by Church House Publishing.

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