Sermon Tone Analysis

Psalter

Opening Prayer

O God, who through your only-begotten Son has poured out, under the sign of water, the grace which leads to salvation; O You who came upon him in the Spirit under the sign of a dove: Grant to your church on earth a blessing which will keep it safe, direct the paths of all who follow you, an dopen the gates of heaven to all who are seeking to enter; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God for ever and ever.

Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

Almighty and loving God, you care for us so much that you sent your only-begotten Son to be your servant among us.

You poured out your Spirit upon him that he might bring justice to us all.

We sing the glory of your Name, and we worship you in all your holy splendor.

We have been called to be your people, not because we are part of the people of Israel, but by your grace communicated to us in baptism.

Yet, we so easily forget that we are baptized; we shirk the responsibilities that come with the status of being heirs of your kingdom.

We fail to reach out in compassion to those who need our help.

Where we have dishonored your grace and have sinned against you and one another, forgive us, O Lord, and count us as righteous.

As you poured out your Spirit upon Jesus at his baptism, so pour out upon us this day, that we may be a light to the nations.

Empower us to open eyes that are blind to your majesty; give us strength to bring out those who are prisoners in the darkness of a life lived apart from you.

Count as your beloved those we have named in our hearts.

Bring wholeness to those who suffer from any kind of infirmity, that they and we may give you thanks and praise at its conclusion.

You have confirmed Jesus as your Son, your Beloved, and in his name we offer these prayers.

Answer us as you love us, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.

Matthew 3:

Introduction

A brief understanding of Baptism in the United Methodist context:

Sacrament - the presence of the Holy Spirit

Infant baptism/prevenient grace

1.

In his baptism, Jesus identifies with us.

2. In our baptism, we identify with Jesus.

3. Baptism is ultimately the work of God.

Benediction

Go forth joyfully.

God is with you.

Bring peace and hope to all you meet.

And may God’s eternal love shine through you always.

Amen.