Liturgy for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A, Matthew)
Introduction
This Sunday the texts are not comfortable. Jesus tells his disciples to expect opposition, to fear God rather than people, and to take up a cross. Hagar is cast out into the wilderness with her son and has nowhere to turn. Jeremiah feels deceived by God and cannot stop speaking. The readings press on the cost of faithfulness and the God who meets us in the desert places.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for Proper 7 (Year A) and is shaped by themes of fear, faithfulness, suffering, and the God who sees and does not abandon.
The lectionary readings at a glance
Genesis 21:8-21: Sarah demands that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. Abraham is distressed, but God tells him to listen to Sarah and promises to make a nation of Ishmael too. In the wilderness, when the water runs out, God hears the boy crying and opens Hagar's eyes to a well. God is with the child.
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17: A prayer of the poor and needy. The psalmist cries out to a God who is good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love. Turn to me and be gracious to me. Give your strength to your servant.
Jeremiah 20:7-13: An alternate track. Jeremiah accuses God of deceiving him. He has become a laughingstock. Yet he cannot stop speaking. The word is like a fire shut up in his bones. And still he praises the God who delivers the needy.
Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18: An alternate track. The psalmist bears shame for God's sake and cries out from deep waters. Answer me, Lord, for your steadfast love is good. Do not hide your face from your servant.
Romans 6:1b-11: We have been baptized into Christ's death and raised with him to new life. We are no longer slaves to sin. Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 10:24-39: Jesus warns his disciples that following him will bring conflict, not comfort. Do not fear those who kill the body. Even the hairs of your head are numbered. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for his sake will find it.
Want resources like this in your inbox?
Sign up for the Pastor Jason Elder newsletter and receive worship liturgy, sermon helps, and biblical resources delivered straight to you.
Call to Worship - Option 1
One: Do not be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
All: The God who numbers our hairs knows our names.
One: He sees the outcast in the wilderness and hears the cry of the needy.
All: We come to the God who does not abandon us.
One: Come, let us worship the Lord who is good and forgiving.
All: We gather in his steadfast love, unafraid.
Call to Worship - Option 2
One: We have been buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life.
All: We are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
One: The cost of following is real, and so is the promise.
All: Whoever loses their life for his sake will find it.
One: Come, let us worship the God who calls us through death into life.
All: We come, trusting the one who holds us.
Want more options for Calls to Worship? Click here
Opening prayer
God who sees and does not abandon, you met Hagar in the wilderness, you heard Jeremiah in his despair, and you raised Christ from the dead. As we gather, give us courage to follow where you lead, even when the way is hard. Remind us that we are known and held by you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of confession
Merciful God, we confess that fear has more of us than faith. We have protected our lives rather than offering them, stayed silent when we should have spoken, and turned away from the hard path of following Christ. Forgive us. Make us alive to you and free from what holds us back. Amen.
Want more options for Prayers of Confession? Click here
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: "You are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:31)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, known, and free.
Thanks be to God!
Need more options for Assurances? Click here
Prayer for Illumination
Lord, your word is like fire in the bones. As Scripture is read and proclaimed, let it speak truth we cannot silence. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Need more options for Prayers of Illumination? Click here
Benediction
Go in the courage of the God who sees you. You are known, named, and held. Do not be afraid of those who can harm the body. Fear the one who holds your life, and trust that he is good.
For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.
