Liturgy for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Introduction
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany gathers the season’s themes into sharp focus. God’s light, once revealed and then followed, now confronts us with a question of faithfulness. What does it mean to live as people shaped by God’s justice, mercy, and wisdom? The readings for this day move from covenantal accountability to blessing, from the wisdom of the cross to a vision of life marked by humility and trust.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany and is shaped by themes of justice, wisdom, humility, and the surprising shape of God’s blessing.
The Lectionary Readings at a Glance
The readings for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany ask what faithful life looks like when God’s light has truly taken hold.
In Micah 6:1–8, God brings a covenant lawsuit against the people. This is not to condemn, but to remind them of what has always been required: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Faithfulness is not measured by spectacle or sacrifice, but by everyday obedience rooted in relationship.
Psalm 15 echoes this vision, describing the one who may dwell in God’s presence. Integrity, truthfulness, and care for others mark the life that reflects God’s holiness.
In 1 Corinthians 1:18–31, Paul proclaims the wisdom of the cross, which overturns human measures of strength and success. God’s power is revealed not in dominance, but in what the world calls weakness and foolishness.
Matthew 5:1–12 opens the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. Jesus names blessing where the world sees loss and honors those whose lives are shaped by mercy, humility, and hunger for righteousness.
Together, these readings reveal Epiphany’s deep challenge: God’s light reshapes not only what we see, but how we live.
Call to Worship
One: What does the Lord require of us?
All: To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.
One: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful.
All: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
One: God’s wisdom is not as the world’s wisdom.
All: God’s strength is revealed in humility and grace.
One: Come, let us worship the God who calls us blessed.
All: Let us walk in the light of Christ.
Opening Prayer
Just and merciful God,
You call us not to impress, but to be faithful. As we gather in worship, quiet our striving and open our hearts to your wisdom. Teach us to recognize blessing where we least expect it and to follow the way of Christ with humility and trust. Shape our lives by your justice and mercy, that we may reflect your light in the world. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Holy God,
You show us the path of life, yet we confess that we often choose easier ways. We seek success more than faithfulness and approval more than obedience. We neglect justice, resist mercy, and forget to walk humbly with you. Forgive us, O God. Reorient our lives by the wisdom of the cross and restore us by your grace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)
In Jesus Christ, the wisdom and power of God, we are forgiven and made new.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for Illumination
God of wisdom,
By your Spirit, open our hearts and minds as Scripture is read and proclaimed. Help us to hear your Word not as the world hears, but as those shaped by the cross of Christ. Lead us into lives marked by justice, mercy, and humility. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of blessing and challenge,
We thank you for calling us into a way of life shaped by your mercy and truth. We pray for your church, that it may embody the Beatitudes with courage and compassion. We pray for communities marked by injustice and suffering, that your justice may break through. We pray for those who feel overlooked or burdened, that they may know your blessing and care. Form us as a people who walk humbly with you and reflect your light in the world. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Eternal God,
You have shown us what is good and revealed blessing in unexpected places. As we go from this place, guide our steps in the way of Christ. May our lives bear witness to your wisdom, your mercy, and your justice, for the sake of the world you love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
