Liturgy for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year A (Matthew)
Introduction
Joseph is sold into the hands of strangers by his own brothers.
Elijah, exhausted and afraid, waits at Horeb for a word that comes not in wind or earthquake or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence.
Paul insists that the word of faith is near, on our lips and in our hearts.
And the disciples, caught in a boat against a battering wind, watch Jesus come to them across the water, calling out that they need not be afraid.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Year A) and is shaped by themes of fear, presence, and the voice that speaks even in the storm and in the stillness.
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Lectionary for this Sunday
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28: Joseph's brothers, envious of their father's favor toward him, conspire against him. He is thrown into a pit and sold into slavery, carried off to Egypt. What’s interesting to me is that in the Book of Acts, Stephen points to Joseph as an early example of a rejected deliverer: he is betrayed by his own, exalted in a foreign land, and only later recognized as their savior.
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b: A hymn recalling God's faithfulness through Israel's history, including the famine that led to Joseph's rise and the sending of a man ahead to prepare the way.
1 Kings 19:9-18 (alternate first reading): Elijah, fleeing for his life, hides in a cave at Horeb. God passes by, not in wind or earthquake or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. Read more: Acedia and Modern Burnout
Psalm 85:8-13 (alternate psalm): The psalmist waits to hear what God will speak, trusting that steadfast love and faithfulness will meet, and righteousness and peace will kiss.
Romans 10:5-15: Paul declares that the word of faith is near, on our lips and in our hearts. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
Matthew 14:22-33: Jesus walks toward the disciples on the sea in the fourth watch of the night. Peter steps out of the boat, begins to sink, and is caught by the hand of Christ. Read more: Jesus Calms the Storm: A Comparison across the Gospels.
Call to worship
One: We remember the story. The disciples were in a boat; the storm came and overwhelmed them.
All: Yet Christ came to them, walking on the sea.
One: Take heart, he said. It is I. Do not be afraid.
All: We remember our story. We are often overwhelmed by life and stresses of all types.
One: Let us worship the God who comes to us in the storm. Who asks us to trust.
All: Let us worship the God who calls us out onto the water.
Call to worship
One: Not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire.
All: But in the sound of sheer silence, God was there.
One: Come, quiet your heart, and listen for the voice that speaks.
All: Speak, Lord. Your servants are listening.
One: Let us worship the God who meets us in the stillness.
All: Let us worship the God whose word is near.
Opening prayer
God who walks upon the waters and whispers in the silence, calm the storms that frighten us and quiet the noise that deafens us to your voice. Meet us in the wind and in the whisper alike. Amen.
Prayer of confession
Gracious God, we have doubted you in the storm and looked away from your presence in the silence. We have kept our eyes on the wind instead of on you. We have wanted a sign of whirlwind and fire and missed the still small voice. Forgive our little faith, and take hold of us again. Amen.
Assurance of pardon
One: The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.
All: And this is the good news we proclaim.
One: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
All: And we are not ashamed to call on him.
One: Christ reaches out his hand even now.
All: Thanks be to God.
Prayer for Illumination
Lord, let this word today be a whisper or a shout. Whatever we need. Amen.
Benediction
Go, and when the wind is against you, look for the one who walks toward you across the water. Go, and when all is silent, listen for the voice that calls you by name. And may the God who catches us when we sink hold you now and always. Amen.
More benedictions and blessings
See also
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer of Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
