Liturgy for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year A (Matthew)
Introduction
This Sunday involves parable and promise. Jesus tells of a sower who scatters seed everywhere, regardless of the soil, and then explains why some seed takes root and some does not. Isaiah promises that God's word will not return empty, but will accomplish its purpose, like rain that waters the earth. Paul contrasts life in the flesh with life in the Spirit. The readings ask what kind of ground we are, and what kind of word is being planted in us. This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for Proper 10 (Year A) and is shaped by themes of sowing, the fruitfulness of God's word, and life in the Spirit.
I provide an Inductive Study Method using the Parable. It is available for free here.
For those preaching, I share a sermon on the parable of the sower titled “Stay in the Field.” In it, I encourage my congregation to keep trusting the work of service and faith. Our job is to sow the seed. After that, we trust God to provide what is necessary for growth. Feel free to use; just send me an email and let me know! Would love to connect.
The lectionary readings at a glance
Genesis 25:19-34: Jacob and Esau are born, struggling even in the womb. Esau sells his birthright for a bowl of stew. The story of God's people often begins with very human choices.
Psalm 119:105-112: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The psalmist holds to God's word as an inheritance forever, the joy of the heart.
Isaiah 55:10-13: An alternate track. As rain and snow water the earth and make it bring forth fruit, so God's word will not return empty. It will accomplish what God intends.
Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13: An alternate track. God visits the earth and waters it, enriching it greatly. The hills gird themselves with joy, and the valleys are decked with grain.
Romans 8:1-11: Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. The Spirit of God dwells in you.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23: Jesus tells the parable of the sower. Seed falls on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil. He explains: the seed is the word, and the soil is the condition of the heart that receives 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 on the odd Tuesdays of the month.
Call to Worship - Option 1
One: God's word does not return empty.
All: It accomplishes what God intends.
One: Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
All: We come to hear and to receive.
One: Come, let us worship the God who sows generously among us.
All: We open our hearts to be good soil.
Call to Worship - Option 2
One: The Spirit of God dwells in us.
All: To set our minds on the Spirit is life and peace.
One: God waters the earth and it brings forth fruit.
All: Let the same be true in us.
One: Come, let us worship the God who gives life to all who receive his word.
All: We gather with open hearts, ready to grow.
Want more options for Calls to Worship? Click here
Opening prayer
God who sows generously, you scatter your word without holding back, trusting it to take root where it can. As we gather, prepare the soil of our hearts. Clear away what chokes your word in us, and let your truth grow deep and bear fruit. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of confession
Merciful God, we confess that our hearts are not always good soil. We let your word be snatched away, choked by worry, or scorched by hardship. Forgive us. Break up what is hard in us and clear away what crowds out your truth. Amen.
Want more options for Prayers of Confession? Click here
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new.
Thanks be to God!
Need more options for Assurances? Click here
Prayer of Illumination
God of the sower, let your word fall on good soil today. As Scripture is read and proclaimed, root your truth deep in us and let it bear fruit. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Need more options for Prayers of Illumination? Click here
Benediction
Go as good soil for the word of God. Let it take root, grow deep, and bear fruit in you, thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold. The Spirit of God dwells in you.
For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.
