1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.
Deacon: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit.
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from John's Gospel chapter 9, beginning at verse 1.
1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 3 Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.' 6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, 'Go, wash in the pool of Siloam' (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. 8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, 'Is not this he who sat and begged?' 9 Some said, 'This is he.' Others said, 'He is like him.' He said, 'I am he.' 10 Therefore they said to him, 'How were your eyes opened?' 11 He answered and said, 'A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received sight.'
Prayers of the People
Prayers of the People for: Fourth Sunday in Lent
Brothers and sisters, as we continue our Lenten journey, let us offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice by praying for the needs of the whole world.
For the Patriarch and all Bishops, as successors of the apostles, that they will be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the Persecuted Church and for the conversion of those who oppress Her.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For government leaders, that they will work tirelessly for that justice which is the foundation for real peace.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For godly leadership to be raised up in the Church and in society that will mobilize and equip God's people for the battles ahead.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For future generations, that there will be an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and all other Christian ministries.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who have lost loved ones, that they will be comforted by the promises of Christ.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the conversion of Islam and other world religions and philosophies that are in opposition to the Word of Truth.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, hear our prayer and give us eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to respond to the leading of Your Holy Spirit. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN
