The Rev. Canon Bahman Kalantari

Morning Prayer

December 8th , 2022

The Season of Advent

Opening Hymn

In the Name of of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Gracious God,

who clothes the lilies and feeds the birds

and cares for us, too,

help us to cease our worrying and all our strivings.

Add to our lives, day by day,

calm trust in you

until we find what we seek above all:

your kingdom.

In the name of Jesus,

we pray. Amen.

The Invitatory

O God,

clothe us in your Word

that, by the power of your Holy Spirit,

we may wear the garments of faithfulness

in such a way

that others can see your glory,

which is lovelier than the splendor of Solomon.

In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Preparation

Giver of light,

in the light of your Christ I see myself clearly as your child.

I rise in thankfulness for you are present

when I sleep and when I am awake.

I rise to come to you in the hours of joy and in sorrow.

I rise to live this day in your wisdom,

without fear, without bitterness,

but with charity toward those I meet

and toward myself when I find I am wanting.

Lead me into your desire for me this day, O Lord.

Let me know your love is deep and abiding;

in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s Gospel

Matthew 22:15-22

The Question about Paying Taxes

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

The Word of the Lord

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.

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

Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ

is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,

Prayers of Intercession

As heralds of God’s good tidings,

let us lift up our voices with strength this day

praying to the One who comforts, restores, and heals.

Let us pray for all leaders and people of the world.

You have created one human family to live in
righteousness and peace.

Give us the wisdom to order our common life

according to your loving purposes,

that your glory may be revealed and all people shall
see it together.

Let us pray for your church.

You have given us the gift of the Messiah

so that your church may be steadfast and true.

Give us strength to follow your Son

until all have come to repentance and are reconciled
by his love.

Let us pray for those who are sick, who suffer need,
who are exiled or in danger.

You have made us for a holy purpose,

to comfort and care for each other.

Give us compassion to love our neighbor

and patience to care for those in need.

Let us pray for your creation.

Your faithfulness springs up from the ground,

and your goodness looks down from the sky.

Rid us of the laziness and greed that diminish life

as you teach us to care for your creation together.

Let us remember those who have died.

Ever-living God,

one day in your presence is like a thousand years,

and a thousand years are like one day.

Make us one with the saints,

who have found their eternal home in you,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Closing Prayer

May the nurturing love of God enfold us, the mercy of Jesus Christ uphold us,

and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit enlighten us

so that we may be lifted up in hope,

now and forever. Amen.

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