THE BAPTISMAL VOWS

MINISTER: Therefore I ask these questions which you must answer for yourself and for these children (this child) whom you have brought for baptism.

QUESTION: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Saviour?
ANSWER: I turn and accept Him.

QUESTION: Do you put your whole trust in His grace and love?
ANSWER: I so put my trust.

QUESTION: Do you promise to love God and obey Him as your Lord?
ANSWER: I promise.

QUESTION: Do you renounce satan, and all the spiritual forces of wickedness?
ANSWER: I do.

QUESTION: Do you renounce injustice and all the evil powers of this world?
ANSWER: I do.

QUESTION: Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God's children?
ANSWER: I do.

Let us pray

The minister says one of the following prayers.

Heavenly Father, in your love you have called us to know you, led us to trust you, and united our life with yours. Surround these children (this child) with your love; protect them (him/her) from evil; sustain and guide them (him/her) by your Holy Spirit, and receive them (him/her) into the family of your Church; that they (he/she) may walk with us in the way of Christ and grow in the knowledge of your love. Amen.

Heavenly Father and giver of all grace, we ask your blessing on those who are about the be baptized and made heirs of your heavenly Kingdom, that through the prayers, the teaching, the example, and the sharing in the life of those who love and care for them they may grow up in the faith of Christ crucified and in the fellowship of His Church, to serve you faithfully all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BLESSING OF THE WATER

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.

V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

We thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of water; over it your Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation; through it you led the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt; in it your son Jesus received the Baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit; fulfilling His Ministry by the offering of Himself on the Cross, blood and water flowed from His side.

We thank you Heavenly Father because you have appointed the water of Baptism for the regeneration of all people, through Jesus Christ your Son. In joyful obedience to Him, we make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Now therefore sanctify this water by the same Holy Spirit, and grant that all who are baptized in it may be united with Christ, forgiven in Him, set free from the bondage of sin and raised with Christ to eternal life.

By Him, and with Him, and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honour and glory are yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.




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