Morning Prayer
 

Today’s Gospel

Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

The Word of the Lord

 

 

The Statement of Faith (Philippians 2:5-11)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
       even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.

 

 

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
   hallowed be thy Name,
   thy kingdom come,
   thy will be done,
       on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
   as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
   for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

 

Prayers of Intercession

Shepherding God,

let us hear your voice and

come and go safely through your gate.

 

We pray for your church on earth,

that we may be a refuge and a blessing

to all in your creation that have need,

human, animal, plant, water, and air.

 

We pray for the earth

and every living thing upon it,

the plants that give us food

as well as every animal, bird, and creeping thing

that moves on the earth.

 

We pray for the human species,

its nations and leaders,

that all the violence that fills the earth may cease

and your wisdom and goodness may govern all

so that the earth can live in peace.

 

We pray for all those who suffer

from human corruption,

from physical and mental disease,

from floods, winds, and other natural disasters,

that they may be restored and made whole

by those who do your will on earth as it is in heaven.      

 

We pray for those whom we love, both near and far.

May all of your creation dwell safely

in the ark of your universal covenant.                

Blessed are you, God, Creator of the universe,

who, with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit,

live forever in your rainbow covenant   

with humans, the earth, and every living creature. Amen.

 

 

Closing Hymn: