First Prayer Service

FIRST PRAYER SERVICE

LITURGY OF LIGHT AND BIBLE ENTHRONEMENT

Introduction (Commentator)

As we begin our study of the Old Testament, let us ask God to accompany us in this journey of faith with his chosen people. We will set our expectations and also give our commitments for the course, believing that he will accompany us throughout the year and will guide us as we learn about him, Yahweh, our God of faithfulness and steadfast love.

Opening Song
“Narito Ako” or “Panginoon Aking Tanglaw”
A large Bible is brought in procession to the altar while the hymn is sung.

Liturgy of Light

(Prayer Leader 1)
I light a light in the name of the Father who lit the world and breathed the breath of life into me.
(All) PRAISE THE FATHER WHO LIT THE WORLD AND GAVE ME LIFE.
(The first candle is lit.)

(Prayer Leader 2)
I light a light in the name of Jesus who saved the world and stretched out his hands to embrace mankind.
(All) PRAISE JESUS, THE SON OF GOD WHO SAVED THE WORLD.
(The second candle is lit.)

(Prayer Leader 3)
I light a light in the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies the world and inspires in me holy desires of goodness and truth.
(All) PRAISE THE HOLY SPIRIT, MY COMPANION AND GUIDE TO HOLINESS.
(The third candle is lit.)

(ALL TOGETHER)
We light three candles for the Trinity of Love:
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God above us, God beside us and God within us.
To the Triune God be glory and praise forever and ever.
AMEN.

Scripture Reading

A reading from the Book of Exodus

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.

Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."

When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!“ And Moses said, "Here I am."

"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

The Word of the Lord

THANKS BE TO GOD.

Reflection (Teacher)

Like Moses, we are also invited by God to discover him… the God of our fathers in the faith: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob… Yahweh, our God of faithfulness and love who reveals his love for us in the Scriptures, which is his story and our story, the love story between him and all humanity. As we begin our study of Scriptures, let us ask for the grace to know him more clearly, to love him more dearly and to follow him more nearly.

Guide Questions for Reflection (COMMA THINKING METACARD)
What are your expectations for this course on the Old Testament?
What do you promise/commit to help realize these expectations?

Closing Prayer

God of the living word,
Give us the faith to receive your message,
the wisdom to know what it means,
and the courage to put it into practice.

Amen.