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[First & Last Name]
[Date]
THE CHARGE
Sisters and Brothers, Baptism is a sacrament of the church. It is the sign that God’s love is acting on our lives. As such, it is a reproduction or rehearsal of that which has already happened and will continue to happen. Those receiving the sacrament are marked in the act as Christian disciples and initiated into the family of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Baptism reminds us, regardless of age, that we are always to some extent helpless, needy, dependent infants insofar as our relationship with God is concerned. Yet it is hard to let go, to be plunged under the water – especially in a culture which encourages us to believe that we are in control and that we have earned or deserve everything we have.
Baptism also brings the liberating word of grace. It is a revolutionary action which cuts to the core of any shallow, negative image of ourselves, and challenges many of our superficial values. In a world asking too little of itself, barely sticking its toes into the waters of life when what is needed is a faithful plunge, Christian Baptism is a liberating, revolutionary act.
In the use of water, Baptism deals with death. The ancients said that the act of a person passing under water is a rehearsal an affirmation of death. Baptism says we all will die. But if we accept our death, we can be free as we were never free before. To be free in that way is to receive life in such a way it is like rising up from the drowning waters or being born again. Therefore, Baptism is the beginning of life in Christ and among Christ’s people. It implies the dedication of a person to a life of freedom and freeing others.
THE VOWS
[First Name], do you accept God’s call to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever guise they present themselves?
I DO.
Do you truly and earnestly recognize your human limits and brokenness and desire to grow in Grace?
I DO.
Do you accept Jesus as the symbol of unconditional grace? Do you see the power of Christ’s resurrection as the source of your freedom to act – to act boldly – in this world?
Do you accept God and the power of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate authority in your life?
I DO.
Do you desire to be baptized in this faith?
YES, BY GOD’S GRACE, I DO.
THE BAPTISMAL PRAYER
Merciful God, we pray that as [First Name] confronts [his/her] weakness and limitations, [she/he] will continually be confronted by your grace. Strengthen [him/her] when [she/he] doubts; challenge [him/her] when [she/he] becomes too self assured. Let [him/her] struggle for justice and meaning and love; and be filled and surrounded by your spirit. And, O God, we pray especially that you will at all times remind us that [she/he] is ours and we are [his/hers], and that all of us are yours. Amen
THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
Eternal God, your mighty acts of salvation
have been made known through water-
from the moving of your Spirit upon the waters of creation,
to the deliverance of your people
through the flood and through the Red Sea.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus,
nurtured in the water of the womb,
baptized by John, and anointed by your Spirit.
He called his disciples
to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection.
Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and [he/she] and who receives it,
and clothe [him/her] in righteousness
throughout [his/her] life.
THE BAPTIZING
[First and Last Name], we baptize you in the name of God the Creator, Jesus Christ the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the power of the Holy Spirit work within you, that being born of water and Spirit you may ever be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ.
Through Baptism, you are incorporated into Christ’s New Creation by the power of the Holy Spirit, and share in Christ’s royal priesthood.
With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you as a member of the universal Body of Christ.
Amen.
THE COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE
Liturgist: Members of the family of God, we commend [First Name] to you. Do all in your power to increase [her/his] faith, confirm [his/her] hope, and perfect [her/him] in love.
Community: We give thanks to the Spirit for the faith that has been worked in you. We pledge to you our care, our challenge, and our support as sisters and brothers, servants, guides, and deliverers of God’s grace. Together with you and with all the people of God, we seek the unity of the spirit in the striving for and celebrating justice, meaning, and wholeness. May our common journey serve the Glory of God in the coming of God’s new creation. |
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