Liturgy for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Year C, Luke)

Texts: Jeremiah 8:18–9:1; Psalm 79:1–9; Amos 8:4–7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2:1–7; Luke 16:1–13

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What Is Liturgy? A Quick Guide for Worshippers

Liturgy simply means “the work of the people.” It refers to the shared rhythms, prayers, Scriptures, and actions we use in worship to glorify God and shape our hearts. Whether ancient or modern, liturgy invites us to participate—not just observe. Through liturgy, we rehearse the gospel and remember who we are in Christ. If you’re new to liturgy, this weekly resource will help you follow along and enter more deeply into worship.

Summary for Liturgy and Worship

Jeremiah 8:18–9:1 voices the deep grief of God’s people, longing for healing and lamenting devastation. Psalm 79:1–9 joins in that lament, pleading for mercy and forgiveness amid destruction.

Amos 8:4–7 condemns economic exploitation and injustice, reminding us that God will not forget the cries of the poor. Psalm 113 lifts a song of praise to the God who raises the poor from the dust and seats them with princes.

1 Timothy 2:1–7 urges prayer for all people—including leaders—because God desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Luke 16:1–13 challenges us with the parable of the dishonest manager, calling us to faithful stewardship. We cannot serve both God and wealth. I wrote about the dishonest manager here.

Together, these readings give us a well-rounded view of faithfulness.

Call to Worship

One: Praise the Lord, you servants of the Lord!

All: Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.

One: From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised.

All: The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

One: Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high?

All: Yet he looks upon the lowly, lifting the poor from the dust.

One: Come, let us worship the God of justice and mercy.

All: Glory, honor, and praise be to God forever!

See also: 22 Biblical Calls to Worship and 28 Modern (and Biblical) Calls to Worship.

Opening Prayer

Faithful God, you rule over all nations and yet stoop to lift up the poor. You call us to prayer, mercy, and faithfulness, yet we confess that we are often distracted and divided. As we worship, turn our hearts toward you alone. Teach us to serve you with undivided loyalty, to rejoice in your justice, and to trust in your mercy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Call to Confession

We cannot serve two masters. Let us confess the ways we have tried to cling to both God and the world.

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we confess that we have set our hearts on wealth and power rather than on you. We have ignored the cries of the poor, profited from injustice, and lived as though our possessions could secure our lives. Forgive us for our divided loyalties and unfaithful stewardship. Free us from serving false masters, and teach us to delight in your ways, to pray for all people, and to serve you alone with joy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: “There is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all.” In him, we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God! (1 Timothy 2:5–6)

See also: Assurance of Pardon: Meaning, Scripture.

Prayer for Illumination

God of truth, by your Spirit open our hearts to your Word. Teach us wisdom, stir us to faithfulness, and guide us into the way of life. May your Scripture shape us to serve you above all else, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

See also: 24 Prayers of Illumination.

Benediction Prayer

Go forth to serve God with gladness and single-hearted devotion.

Choose mercy, walk in justice, and pray for all people.

And may the blessing of God—

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—

be with you now and always. Amen.

See also: 22 Benedictions and Blessings in the Bible, Biblical Blessings: Meaning, Examples, and Relevance Today, and Final Greeting and Benediction (Philippians 4:21–23).