Based on the readings for Epiphany 1C (The Baptism of our Lord): Psalm 29, Isaiah 42:1-9, Romans 6:1-11, Matthew 3:13-17

P          The LORD gives his people strength; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Therefore, we confess our sin to God that He may give us strength and peace.

C          Lord, You called us for a righteous purpose and held us by Your hand, but we continue in sin so that grace may multiply. We give Your glory to others and Your praise to idols. Open our blind eyes, bring us from the dungeon and from sitting in darkness in the prison house.

P          Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus, or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick. The Lord’s Servant, Jesus Christ, brought justice to the nations, and if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Having fulfilled all righteousness, the Lord says of you, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” Therefore, as a called and ordained servant of Christ and by His authority, I forgive you all your sin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C          Amen. Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness!