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

Texts: Jeremiah 4:11–12, 22–28; Psalm 14; Exodus 32:7–14; Psalm 51:1–10; 1 Timothy 1:12–17; Luke 15:1–10

Like you, I’m in ministry.

I like to help others who serve God and the church by sharing what I create. I hope it helps.

Please leave a comment below—say hello and let us know where you’re reading from. We’ve got readers from around the world, and it’s a joy to see how God is at work across the globe.

When you share a link from this site (or retweet, etc.) on your social, it helps others like you and me find it through the algorithm.

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 4:11–12, 22–28 laments the devastation brought by the people’s folly and rebellion. Psalm 14 mourns the corruption of humanity, declaring that none are righteous apart from God.

Exodus 32:7–14 tells of Israel’s idolatry with the golden calf and of Moses interceding so that God relents from destroying them. Psalm 51:1–10 gives us David’s prayer for mercy, cleansing, and a new heart after his sin.

1 Timothy 1:12–17 celebrates God’s mercy shown to Paul, who once was a blasphemer, but received grace so that others might know Christ’s patience.

Luke 15:1–10 proclaims God’s joy in finding the lost — whether one sheep or one coin. Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.

Together, these texts remind us that sin runs deep, but God’s mercy runs deeper.

Call to Worship

One: Rejoice with me, says the Lord, for I have found my lost sheep.

All: We come, for the Shepherd has sought us and brought us home.

One: Sing with me, says the Lord, for I have found the coin that was lost.

All: We come, for God has turned our mourning into joy.

One: Praise the Lord, whose mercy is great and whose love has no end.

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

Merciful God, you are the Shepherd who seeks the lost and the Father who runs to embrace the prodigal. We confess that we wander far from your ways and chase after idols of our own making. Yet in your grace, you search for us and rejoice when we are found. In this time of worship, open our hearts to your mercy. Cleanse us, renew us, and teach us to live in the joy of your salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Call to Confession

God delights not in sacrifice, but in a broken and contrite heart. Let us confess our sin and open ourselves to God’s mercy.

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, we confess that we have wandered from your ways. Like sheep we have strayed, and like Israel we have bowed to idols of our own making. We ignore your voice and resist your call, preferring to follow our own desires. Yet you are full of mercy and compassion. Forgive us, O Lord. Create in us clean hearts and renew right spirits within us, that we may live in the joy of your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” In Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven, your life is restored, and heaven rejoices over you. Thanks be to God! (Lamentations 3:22–23)

See also: Assurance of Pardon: Meaning, Scripture.

Prayer for Illumination

Faithful God, your Word is mercy and truth. As the Scriptures are read and proclaimed, open our hearts to hear your voice. Seek us where we are lost, restore us where we are broken, and fill us with the joy of your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

See also: 24 Prayers of Illumination.

Benediction Prayer

Go forth rejoicing in the God who seeks and saves the lost.

Live as people restored by mercy and renewed by grace.

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).