Cycle C

Good News C7

The Baptism of the Lord

New American Bible Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Bible Gateway New International Version Luke 3:15-16,21-22

Perhaps you were baptized when you were a baby and your parents and godparents promised God that they would raise you to follow God’s ways. When you got older, then you decided for yourself whether you were going to follow the Ten Commandments or make up your own rules for living.

Today is a good day to renew your promise to God to follow in the ways of the Lord. Say out loud: “Today I promise to obey your laws, o my God. I will love you with all my heart, and all my body, and all my soul. I will love my neighbor as myself. I will choose good over evil every day of my life. I ask that you bless me and help me to give to this world what no other person can give. Bless my mind that I may think good thoughts. Bless my mouth that I may speak good words. Bless my voice that I may sing lovely songs of your praise. Bless my hands that I may reach out to help others. Bless my feet that I may walk in your path. Bless my eyes that I may see the goodness of your world. Bless my ears that I may hear the praises of thy holy name. Cleanse my soul of all my sins. I ask you for these blessings because I love you, my almighty Father. Amen.”

Draw a picture of your mind, body, and soul. Then below it write or draw a picture of what you plan to do for God. Or write the words to a song and sing it for God. You are God’s child. He loves you very much and will stay by your side every moment of your life.

Pray the Our Father that you may follow in God’s path.

“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. Amen.”

Copyright © 2003 Joan Y. Edwards