This week’s Lectionary, following the Feast of the Epiphany, celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. The passages cover the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the Gospel of Mark, and the account of the apostles’ in Ephesus receiving baptism in the spirit in the book of Acts.

God, you bless us in all kinds of ways.
The sacraments you offer us are blessed.
You are always teaching us who we are
By your gifts, presence, and words to us.

For the baptism with water, a symbol of our new life,
We give thanks.
For baptism of your spirit, the gift of your presence in and among us,
We give thanks.
We accept these gifts as a sign of your love and regard
As a sign of you being with us.
As symbols of your promises to us:
You cleanse, fill, and renew us.

With living water
We are washed and filled.
With holy spirit
We are washed and filled.

You come to us with the beauty and gentleness of a dove:
We are your children, in whom you are pleased. (1)
And you come to us with the intensity of a fire:
We are your servants, to do your work in the world.

Fill us anew each day
With water and fire.
Teach us to walk as New Creation,
New creatures, children of God:
Buried with Christ in death
Raised to newness of life. (2)

Amen

1) Mark 1:10,11
2) Romans 6:4