baptism

[Sharky]

A friend of mine is about to have a water baptism and we're heading to the beach to do that.

We got a heap of friends to help him in this but in case i'll end up doing it, i'd like to know what do you do or say before you baptise someone?

cheers all!

 

[ebia]

Sounds a bit informal for my taste, but the necessary words as you baptise are:

I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

followed by at least the Lord's Prayer and a blessing such as:
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you, this day and evermore.

 

[sherri]

as above

the first statement is essential. Everything else is optional or dependent on the situation. Although appropriate prayers like above are obviously very good and welcomed.



It's also a good time to pray that they be baptised in the Holy Spirit if they haven't already been.

 

[Sharky]

Thanks heaps all

 

[Sab]

So can someone who isn't ordained baptise someone else? Can it just be done by another believer (who understands whats going on, of course)?

 

[Sharky]

any believer mate

 

[ebia]

Most churches consider it better for an ordained minister to baptise, to have baptismal vows, etc, and for it to be done in front of the congregation that the person is becoming a member of. But yes, it can be done by anyone as long as it is done in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spririt with the appropriate intention.