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.