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

Theme: Seeking God, Rooted in Grace

Introduction

This week’s scriptures are united by the call to seek God with persistence, humility, and trust. Hosea offers a vivid image of God’s heartbreak and faithfulness in the face of Israel’s unfaithfulness, holding judgment and hope in tension.

Psalm 85 echoes with longing for restoration and peace.

In Genesis, Abraham appeals to God's justice and mercy on behalf of Sodom, demonstrating bold intercession.

Psalm 138 responds with personal gratitude to a God who answers and strengthens the lowly.

Paul urges the Colossians to remain rooted in Christ, not distracted by shallow philosophies.

In Luke, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray and assures them of God's readiness to respond. Together, these passages invite us to pray boldly, trust deeply, and remain grounded in the grace of God.

Summary of the Day’s Passages

Hosea 1:2–10 God calls Hosea to marry Gomer, symbolizing Israel’s unfaithfulness. Their children's names signal judgment: Jezreel (God will punish), Lo-Ruhamah (No Mercy), and Lo-Ammi (Not My People). Yet even here, a glimmer of hope remains: one day, the people once called "Not My People" will be called "Children of the Living God."

Psalm 85 A plea for restoration and mercy. The psalmist recalls God’s past faithfulness and asks for renewal. The final verses anticipate a future where steadfast love and faithfulness meet, and righteousness and peace kiss.

Genesis 18:20–32 Abraham courageously negotiates with God on behalf of Sodom. His persistent, reverent questioning reveals both God's justice and God’s willingness to show mercy for the sake of even a few righteous people. This is a great example of peole of faith praying for instead of against.

Psalm 138 A personal psalm of thanksgiving, praising God for answered prayer, steadfast love, and care for the lowly. The psalmist expresses trust that God will fulfill His purposes.

Colossians 2:6–15 (16–19) Paul urges the church to stay rooted in Christ and avoid being taken captive by hollow teachings. Through Christ, believers are made alive and forgiven. The cross has disarmed the powers, and Christ is the true head of the Church. The optional verses caution against legalism and self-made religion.

Luke 11:1–13 Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer and follows with a parable of persistence: a friend knocking at midnight. He encourages bold, trusting prayer with the promise that God is even more generous than human parents, giving the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

For Luke 11:1-13, I preached a sermon titled “The Hope of Our Prayer,” which explores the question, “On what do my prayers rely? Are my prayers answered because of my audacity, perseverance, or stubbornness? Or, is Jesus pointing to something else?” Along with that is a verse-by-verse breakdown of the passage for your own study.

Call to Worship

One: Come, people of God, rooted and built up in Christ.

All: We come with thanksgiving, seeking wisdom and strength.

One: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find.

All: We come to the One who hears prayer and answers in love.

One: In a world of need and noise, we gather to listen and to grow.

All: Let us worship the God who draws near with mercy and power.

If you’d like more options, here are 22 Biblical Calls to Worship.

Opening Prayer

Faithful God, you invite us to seek, to knock, and to trust that you are near. Quiet our hearts in your presence. Ground us in Christ, and grow in us the fruit of your Spirit. In this hour, may our prayers rise with hope, and may your Word take root within us. We pray in the name of Jesus, our teacher and our Savior. Amen.

Call to Confession

One: We are a people in need of grace. Let us come honestly before God, who delights in mercy.

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we confess that we often rely on our own wisdom and forget your faithfulness. We seek answers but do not pause to listen. We carry worries, but do not place them in your hands. We talk of prayer more than we practice it. Forgive our stubborn hearts. Teach us to rest in your grace, to trust in your Word, and to persist in seeking you. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

One: Hear the promise from Colossians: “When you were dead in trespasses, God made you alive together with Him [Christ], having forgiven all your sins.”

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, rooted in love, and made new. Thanks be to God!

If you’d like more Assurances of Pardon, I provide background and a list of 30+ here.

Prayer of Illumination

I have a full page of seasonal and scripture-based prayers of illumination available here.