Liturgy for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A (Matthew)

Introduction

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday. The image of the shepherd runs through every reading: a God who leads, restores, and protects; a community that shares life together; a Christ who calls his own by name and gives life abundantly. This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A) and is shaped by themes of shepherding, belonging, community, and the abundant life Christ offers.

The lectionary readings at a glance

Acts 2:42–47 — The early church devotes itself to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They share what they have, worship together, and grow. A community shaped by resurrection looks like this.

Psalm 23 — The Lord is shepherd. He leads beside still waters, restores the soul, and accompanies the faithful even through the valley of the shadow of death. Goodness and mercy follow all the days of our lives.

1 Peter 2:19–25 — Christ suffered without retaliation, entrusting himself to the one who judges justly. He is the shepherd and guardian of our souls, and by his wounds we are healed.

John 10:1–10 — Jesus describes himself as both the gate and the shepherd. He calls his sheep by name, leads them out, and gives life abundantly. Those who enter through him will find pasture and be saved.

Call to worship — Option 1

One: The Lord is our shepherd.

All: We shall not want.

One: He leads us beside still waters and restores our souls.

All: Even in the darkest valley, he is with us.

One: Come, let us worship the shepherd who calls us by name.

All: We come to hear his voice and follow where he leads.

Call to worship — Option 2

One: Jesus says, I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved.

All: We come to the one who opens the way to life.

One: He knows his sheep and calls them each by name.

All: We know his voice and we follow him.

One: He came that we might have life, and have it abundantly.

All: Let us worship the one who gives us life and leads us home.

Opening prayer

Good Shepherd, you know us by name and lead us into life. As we gather, still the noise around us and let us hear your voice. Restore what is weary in us, guide us in paths of righteousness, and remind us that your goodness follows us all our days. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayer of confession

Merciful God, we confess that we have wandered from your paths and followed voices that do not lead to life. We have been slow to trust your care and reluctant to live as your people. Forgive us. Restore us, Good Shepherd, and lead us back to you. Amen.

Assurance of pardon

Hear the good news: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer for illumination

Lord, your Word is a lamp to our feet. As Scripture is read and proclaimed, let us hear your voice and follow. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Benediction

Go in the care of the Good Shepherd. He has called you by name, led you beside still waters, and set a table before you. Now go, and follow where he leads.

For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.

See also

Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer of Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings