Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Order of Worship

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

Heavenly Father, we lift up our world and its leaders to you, asking that you guide all earthly authorities to govern with justice, mercy, and wisdom. Bring peace to nations in turmoil, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen all who serve those in need. Help our community to trust in your care and reach out in love to our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, we lift up all who carry your message to the ends of the earth. We ask that you empower missionaries, pastors, and faithful witnesses worldwide with courage and clear voices to declare your marvelous deeds. Inspire those who feel silent or timid, fill their hearts with boldness, and bring many to know your love and salvation through their testimony. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious God, we pray for your holy Church and for all who have been called into your light. Strengthen us in faith, love, and hope, and deepen our devotion to your gospel. Rekindle our love when it grows cold, sustain us through times of trial, and grant patience to all who are persecuted for your name's sake. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you taught us to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s, reminding us of our dual citizenship in earthly nations and your heavenly kingdom. We pray for our leaders, civil authorities, and public servants, asking that you endow them with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to justice. Grant wisdom to our nation, preserve civil order, and guide us to be responsible citizens who honor rightful authority while keeping our ultimate allegiance and devotion to you alone. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, we pray for all who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. Bring healing to the sick, comfort to the lonely and grieving, and relief to the oppressed. Wrap them in your presence, sustain them with your peace, and move our hearts to serve them with your love and compassion. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Teaching

Open or download this week's preview of the lessons. We send this to our homebound with a bulletin each week and thought you might like to have a copy as well. You may read it online or print it out. It includes prayers, brief teaching on each of the four lessons for Sunday, an overview, and an additional Word Search based on the Gospel Lesson. 

No Vespers this evening

The readings for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Hosea 5:8–6:6;  1 Corinthians 2:6–16; Matthew 14:1–12. These readings are also found on page 1005 in For All the Saints, volume IV. Note this new page that offers a fuller text of readings that correspond to the Daily Lectionary.