Universal Prayers for The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A

Sunday and Feast Day Universal Prayers 
  

Suggestions for Leading Worship

Office of Worship

P.O. Box 2028

Baton Rouge, LA  70821-2028

Phone: (225) 242-0120

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SAMPLE UNIVERSAL PRAYERS

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A

January 11, 2026

Priest:  The Lord promises to bless his people with peace, and so with faith, we ask for his blessing upon our community and our world.

Deacon (or other reader if there is no deacon):

·        For the Church, that we may each live out our baptismal call to be priest, prophet, and servant king, doing our part to build up the Body of Christ, we pray to the Lord...

·        For our world, that the tensions between countries may be eased, and that they may work together toward lasting peace, we pray to the Lord...

·        For those affected by natural disasters, that they may be kept safe from harm and strengthened by the Holy Spirit as they rebuild their homes and lives, we pray to the Lord...

·        For the newly baptized here today, that they may grow strong in their relationship with God, and that their parents, siblings, and godparents may inspire them to be faithful disciples of Jesus, we pray to the Lord…

·        For those carrying the burden of illness, that they may be healed in body, mind, and spirit, we pray to the Lord…

·        For all who have died, especially [add deceased names or “parishioners of” (add name)], and the intentions of this mass [add mass intentions], may they dwell secure with the Lord forever, we pray to the Lord...

·        In silence, we pray for own needs and the special intentions of others, to the God who promises to return for those who live in his love… [pause; the presider alone concludes…]

Priest: Good and gracious God, you sent us your beloved Son, to lead your people out of darkness and into the marvelous light of your kingdom.   Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might walk as children of the light. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.  

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LITURGY NEWS AND NOTES:

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A

January 11, 2026

1.       A sample penitential act could be:

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world; Lord, have mercy.  

Christ Jesus, you are the hope of the nations; Christ, have mercy.  

Lord Jesus, you are the beloved Son of God; Lord, have mercy.

2.     Today, concludes the Christmas season!  The prayer texts are found at the end of the Christmas Time section in the PT.  

3.     Sing the Gloria in full splendor.  The creed is prayed. 

4.    End the season with a sprinkling rite!  Any form of the PA may be offered if the sprinkling is not done. 

5.     To highlight the festivity of these Christmas days, presiders might consider chanting the introductory dialogue and the preface to the EP.  The preface is proper and found on the pages in the missal for the Baptism of the Lord.

6.    Consider using EP-III.

7.     Although it is not noted in the missal, close Christmas Time with SB #4 of SB #9.  

8.    Continue to use incense, the best vessels, linens, and vestments, and include a more elaborate Gospel procession.  

9.    Ordinary Time starts 1/11, this evening after Evening Prayer II.