The Baptism of the Lord

Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is with us. He is with us indeed, Alleluia. And so we gather... In the name of the Father...

Opening prayer Living God, we give thanks for clean water which gives us life. We pray that all your children around the world may have clean water to drink. Amen.

Lord Jesus, you teach us to love and care for others. Lord Have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Jesus Christ, you bring hope and joy to all who believe in you. Christ have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you take away the sins of the world. Lord have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Alleluia, Alleluia

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. Glory to you, Oh Lord. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Alleluia, Alleluia

I wonder what you heard in the Gospel today. Why did Jesus want to be baptised? Why was John not keen to baptise Jesus? What happened when Jesus stood up in the water?

As brothers and sisters in one loving family, together let us pray to our heavenly father. The response is sung, Lord hear our prayer. That all God’s family may be filled with the holy spirit. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. That our world may be filled with joy and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. That as Christians we may care for the homeless and hungry. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. That we welcome the newly baptised into our parish family. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Knowing that our Heavenly Father is listening, in the silence of our hearts, let us share our own unspoken prayers with Him.

Quiet reflection We our now going to listen to some quiet music and I would like teachers to choose one person from each class to come and collect a dove from the focal point to remind us of God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s finish by saying this prayer together... Loving Father, through baptism you fill us with your life and love. May that love grow stronger and keep us close to you. We make our prayers through Christ your beloved son. Amen.