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Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism | |
| If possible, this Thanksgiving should be celebrated at the font. | ||
| I saw water flowing from the threshold of the temple. | ||
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Wherever the river
flows everything will spring to life. Alleluia. |
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| On the banks of the river grow trees bearing every kind of fruit. | ||
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Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail. | |
| Their fruit will serve for food, their leaves for the healing of the nations. |
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For the river of the water of
life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. |
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| This prayer of thanksgiving is said and water may be poured into the font. | ||
| God in Christ gives us water welling up for
eternal life. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. |
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Lord, give us this water and we shall thirst no more. | |
| Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | ||
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It is right to give thanks and praise. | |
| Blessed are you, sovereign God of all, to you be glory and praise for ever. You are our light and our salvation. From the deep waters of death you have raised your Son to life in triumph. Grant that all who have been born anew by water and the Spirit, may daily be renewed in your image, walk by the light of faith, and serve you in newness of life; through your anointed Son, Jesus Christ , to whom with you and the Holy Spirit we lift our voices of praise. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: |
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Blessed be God for ever. | |
| The Apostles' Creed or an authorized Affirmation of Faith is said. | ||
| Intercessions are offered. These should include prayer for those who are preparing for baptism and for those recently baptized. | ||
| This or another Collect is said | ||
| Almighty God, in our baptism you have consecrated us to be temples of your Holy Spirit. May we, whom you have counted worthy, nurture this gift of your indwelling Spirit with a lively faith and worship you with upright lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. |
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Amen. | |
| The water may be sprinkled over the people or they may be invited to use it to sign themselves with the cross. | ||
| The service ends either with the Peace or with the following blessing | ||
| May God, who in Christ gives us a spring of
water welling up to eternal life, perfect in you the image of his glory; and may the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. |
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Amen. | |