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
The day has dawned,
the morning star rises in our hearts.
We witness the glory of Christ!
God speaks to us in cloud and flame,
in mysterious words and dazzling visions.
We witness the glory of Christ!
The Lord loves justice and equity,
and is exalted over all the people.
We witness the glory of Christ!
Praise the Lord!
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
Prayers of Intercession
We approach God in prayer not as strangers,
but as beloved children, baptized in Christ Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for the church . . .
Send us down from the holy mountain
to show and tell the gospel message:
the transforming power of your grace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for the earth . . .
Let this world be transformed, transfigured—
Let it shine with your majestic glory
in the promise of your new creation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for all nations . . .
Let the leaders of the earth be warned
that you will thwart the plans of the wicked
and restore the fortunes of the poor.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for this community . . .
Establish justice and equity in this place.
Answer those who cry out to you,
who call upon your name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for loved ones . . .
Be a lamp for those who wait in darkness.
Speak to them with your loving voice,
so that they will not be afraid.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One, as you are well pleased with Christ,
help us to live in a way that will be pleasing to you.
As you have called us to listen to Christ,
help us to always heed his word and seek his will.
These things we pray in the name of Jesus,
your beloved Child, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Matthew 3:17, 17:5
— Eucharist —
Invitation to Offering
At the communion table:
There is only one Lord and God,
from whom all things come
and for whom we live.
Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 8:4–6
Prayer of Dedication
At the communion table:
God of glory,
as people brought gifts to the infant Jesus,
we bring our gifts to you.
May these gifts be used
to lift up those who are oppressed,
to bring deliverance to those who are in need,
to support those who are poor,
and to help those who are in trouble. Amen.
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God:
On Mount Sinai you gave your law to your servant Moses.
There your glory blazed like fire in the presence of your people;
wrapped in mystery and cloud, you revealed your Word.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song
of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
A Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy”) is sung.
Blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior:
On a mountaintop with Peter, James, and John, he was transfigured.
Standing with Moses and Elijah, his face shone in glory;
and you said: This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!
The words of institution are included here.
Remembering your goodness and grace,
we offer ourselves to you with gratitude
as we share this joyful feast.
A Memorial Acclamation (e.g., “Christ has died”) is sung.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this bread and cup;
make us one in the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.
By your Spirit, make us witnesses to your eternal majesty,
proclaiming the power and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord,
until the dawning of your coming day and the rising of your morning star.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Spirit,
we bless you, God of glory,
now and forever.
An Amen is sung.
Lord’s Prayer
Breaking the Bread
Communion of the People
Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song
Prayer after Communion
We give you thanks, Lord Jesus Christ,
for the gifts of grace
we have received from your hand.
Now send us forth to reflect your light,
proclaiming your saving death and resurrection
until you come again in glory. Amen.
— Sending —
Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song
Blessing and Charge
At the doors of the church:
Beloved children of God,
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
the grace of Jesus Christ,
and the blessing of the Lord forever. Alleluia!
Mark 1:11, 9:7
As Jesus called the first disciples,
so he calls to us this day:
Follow me. Amen.
Mark 1:17, John 1:43
“Be Thou My Vision”
Mike Myers, 2013
Additional Materials
Congregational Song
GATHERING
- O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair (OEG) DEO GRACIAS GTG 189, PH 75
- God, You Rule with Royal Bearing (OEG) BRYN CALFARIA GTG 272
- You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (OEG) PICARDY GTG 274
- You, Living Christ, Our Eyes Behold (EG) PRENTICE Rejoice in God, K. Lee Scott, MSM
WORD
- Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom (EG) MADELEINE GTG 174
- We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding (OEG) BREWER GTG 191
- Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain (OEG) UNSER HERRSCHER GTG 193
- God, Who Dwells in Light and Darkness (OEG) BEACH SPRING Sing No Empty Alleluias, Chris Shelton, GIA
EUCHARIST
- Lord, the Light of Your Love Is Shining (OEG) SHINE, JESUS, SHINE GTG 192
- When Twilight Comes (OEG) DAPIT HAPON GTG 195, PH 547
- In the Bulb There Is a Flower (OEG) PROMISE GTG 250
- What a Great Mystery / Kay Lakig Hiwaga (EG) CATUROG NA NONOY STB 82
SENDING
- Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (OEG) GENEVA, EBENEZER GTG 190, PH 73
- O God, Show Mercy to Us (OEG) THAXTED GTG 341
- Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory (OEG) BATTLE HYMN GTG 354
- Transform Us (EG) PICARDY G3 878
Psalms and Canticles
Psalm 2
Metrical
- Why Do the Nations Rage [GRANT PARK]; PAS 2A
- Why Do Nations Rage Together [EBENEZER]; GTG 758
- Why This Dark Conspiracy [CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN]; PAS 2C, LUYH 214
- Why Are Nations Raging / Why Are Nations Grumbling [SALZBURG, 7.7.7.7 D]; PH 159, SGP 5
- Mi hijo eres tú / My Son, You Are Mine; SSS 114
Responsorial
- You Are My Son; PAS 2D
- Serve the Lord with Holy Fear; PSA 2
- O Hear and Heed the Voice of God [WAREHAM]; HTP1 15
Psalm 99
Metrical
- Tremble, O Tremble [TROMBLEY]; GTG 57
- The Lord Is King, Enthroned in Might [ELLACOMBE]; PAS 99A, LUYH 726
- Lord, You Are King [LMD]; SGP 147
- You, Lord, Are King [LM]; SGP 148
- God Reigns, Enthroned on High [6.6.8.4 D]; PCW 99
Responsorial
- The Lord is King; with Trembling Bow in Worship; PAS 99B
- Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord our God [OLD 124TH]; HTP1 80
- Sing to the Lord [WILLIE TAYLOR]; CP1 7
Organ Music
- “Prelude for Transfiguration,” WAREHAM, Three Hymn Improvisations for Organ, Matthew H. Corl, HWG (ME)
- “Fantasia I,” Music for Sunday, Petr Eben (MA)
- “We Are Marching in the Light of God,” SIYAHAMBA, Augsburg Organ Library: Epiphany, Robert Buckley Farlee, AF (ME)
- “All Hail the Power,” CORONATION, Pedals and Pipes for Postludes and Praise, Edward Broughton, LOR (E)
Anthems for Adult Choirs
- “Jesus on the Mountain Peak,” Michael Burkhardt, MSM, SATB, org, opt cong (ME)
- “Christ upon the Mountain Peak,” John Bertalot, AF, 2 pt, pno, C inst (ME)
- “Go Up to the Mountain of God,” Michael Helman, AF, SATB, pno, opt fl (ME)
- “Alleluia,” Ralph Manuel, HIN, SATB div (MA)
- “Transfiguration,” Joel Martinson, PAR, uni, org (E)
- “Anthem for Transfiguration,” Paul Hofreiter, AF, SATB, org (M)
Handbell Music
- “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” Linda McKechnie, 3–5 oct, opt fl or vln, HOPE, 2224, fl/vln, 2225, Level 3
- “Hymn of Promise,” Martha Lynn Thompson, 3–5 oct, opt. 2–4 oct hc, opt 2-pt mx, HOPE, 1519, 2-pt mx, A580, Level 3
- “Prelude on Thaxted,” Michael Helman, 3-6 oct, opt 3-5 oct hc, AGEHR, 36045, Level 3
Art
- Transfigure, Jan Richardson (JR)
- Transfiguration, fra Angelico, 1450 (VDL)
- Transfiguration, Kelly Latimore (VDL)
- Be Thou My Vision, Mike Moyers (VDL)
