February 15, 2026 – Transfiguration of the Lord

Lectionary Readings

Exodus 24:12–18
The glory of God settles on Sinai, where Moses spends forty days.

Psalm 2
God says: You are my son; the nations will serve the Lord.

or Psalm 99
The Lord reigns; worship God on the holy mountain.

2 Peter 1:16–21
The apostle recounts Jesus’ transfiguration, fulfilling prophecy.

Matthew 17:1–9
On a high mountain with Moses and Elijah, Jesus is transfigured.

— Gathering —

Opening Sentences

Though finite human minds 
cannot fathom God’s fullness, 
God gives us glimpses of her glory every day
in the night sky’s depths
and in the simplest flower,

in shared meals, shared stories, 
and shared struggles.
In the face of every person made in her image,
God’s beauty glows like sunlight behind clouds.

We share God’s sacred longing to be known,
to be truly seen and loved for all we are.
But to be fully known, 
we must risk vulnerability.

When we dare to share ourselves with one another,
when we work to understand a friend or stranger,
we come closer to catch a glimpse 
of God’s presence.
Let us worship God together.

Prayer of the Day

Word made flesh, Eternal Mystery, 
on that mountain, you came out 
to three of your closest friends:
a fabulous, though temporary, 
transition into your authentic truth.
Transfigure our hearts and minds 
until we can share this honor.
Pierce through our clouds of unknowing,
the presumptions and failures of imagination
that shroud our capacity to see the real you.
Inspire us to seek to know you better
through relationships with people of all faiths,
all cultures and experiences not our own,
so that we might see, and know, and love you fully
as we are fully known and loved by you. Amen.

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Thanksgiving For Baptism

At the baptismal font:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
O Lord our God, we give you thanks
for the faith, hope, and love you give to us
through the blessing of our baptism—
claiming us as your beloved children,
calling us to the path of discipleship,
revealing to us the light of your glory.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
poured out upon us in baptism,
help us to follow you with faith,
to trust in you with hope,
and to serve you with love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession and Pardon​

At the baptismal font:
Standing in the light of Christ,
we see the shadows hidden in our hearts.
Let us tell the truth about ourselves,
trusting in God’s grace,
that we might receive mercy and be renewed.

Magnificent God,
we cannot stand before the glory of your presence.
You shine with divine light,
and we are overwhelmed by your goodness.
Lift us in your mercy,
release us from our fear,
and fill us with your Spirit,
that we might reflect your light
and share your love,
for the sake of Jesus, our Savior.

Lifting water from the font:
Children of God,
hear the good news:
We are forgiven, again and again,
by this glorious God.
What a wonder! Alleluia!

— Word —

Prayer for Illumination

At the lectern or pulpit:
God of shining splendor,
your voice makes the earth tremble in wonder.
Overshadow us with your Spirit
so that we may hear your Word
and live as faithful disciples
and covenant people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture

Before the readings:
Speak to us, Lord, for your servants are listening.
1 Samuel 3:9–10

After the readings:
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God.
Mark 1:27

Sermon

Ascription of Praise

After the sermon:
To the Lord who speaks to us, strengthens us,
and blesses us with peace,
be all glory and honor forever. Amen.
Psalm 29:1, 11

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Affirmation of Faith

In Jesus of Nazareth,
true humanity was realized once for all.
Jesus, a Palestinian Jew,
lived among his own people
and shared their needs, temptations,
joys, and sorrows.
He expressed the love of God
in word and deed
and became a brother
to all kinds of sinful men and women.
But his complete obedience
led him into conflict with his people.
His life and teaching judged their goodness,
religious aspirations, and national hopes.
Many rejected him and demanded his death.
In giving himself freely for them,
he took upon himself the judgment
under which everyone stands convicted.
God raised him from the dead,
vindicating him as Messiah and Lord.
The victim of sin became victor,
and won the victory
over sin and death for all.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.08