Call to Worship
One: In the beginning, darkness covered the deep, and God said: Let there be light.
All: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: Through the words of the prophet, the Lord said: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
All: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: Do not fear, says the Lord; I am with you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
All: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: When Jesus was baptized by John, suddenly the heavens were opened.
All: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: And as Jesus was coming out of the water, the Spirit of God rested on him like a dove.
All: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: And a voice said: You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.
All: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your son. Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, in baptism you tell us that we belong to you, but we act as if what we do does not matter. We ignore your commands, choosing our own desires and fears, over your will. We neither seek the truth nor defend it. Humbly, Lord, we ask your forgiveness. We want to follow you. Teach us that all of our lives belong to you, not just the parts we offer. Send your spirit to guide us back into righteousness.
Scripture Acts 19:1-7
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ 3Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ 4Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ 5On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— 7altogether there were about twelve of them.