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Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Praise
Generous God,
you give us gifts and make them grow:
though our faith is small as mustard seed,
make it grow to your glory
and the flourishing of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Psalm 69.14-20
But as for me, I make my prayer to you, O Lord;
at an acceptable time, O God.
Answer me, O God, in the abundance of your mercy
and with your sure salvation.
Draw me out of the mire, that I sink not;
let me be rescued from those who hate me
and out of the deep waters.
Let not the water flood drown me,
neither the deep swallow me up;
let not the Pit shut its mouth upon me.
Answer me, Lord, for your loving-kindness is good;
turn to me in the multitude of your mercies.
Hide not your face from your servant;
be swift to answer me, for I am in trouble.
Draw near to my soul and redeem me;
deliver me because of my enemies.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Reading
Matthew 14.1-12
Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14.1-12
This is the word of the Lord.
Prayers
For the rule of justice and the triumph of mercy, let us prayer to the Lord.
Inspire and strengthen the Church to speak out against evil and not to fail in the face of opposition. Give to all Christian people the grace to endure when their faith is tested and to bear witness to the truth.
Guide and correct those in authority, that their power shall not be abused and the innocent shall not suffer. Forgive those who support evil policies through fear or ambition, and give them courage to work for good.
Shield us, our families and friends and neighbours, from all anger and violence, whether it comes from among us or from outside. Bless those who have influence in this community and give them the will to work for the common good.
Have mercy on all who suffer from injustice, on the weak and vulnerable who are in the hands of oppressors. Be close to those who suffer for declaring and practising their faith and save them from their persecutors.
We remember with thanks those who have borne witness to their faith even to death. May their witness be our example of constancy until we come to share with them in the life of heaven.
We offer our prayers through Christ, the hope of all who suffer for his sake.
Lord and heavenly Father,
make us mindful of your presence with us;
that we may draw near to you with holy and humble hearts,
and offer prayers and praises acceptable in your sight;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us
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, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Conclusion
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore.
Amen.