Liturgy for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year A (Matthew)
Introduction
The Seventh Sunday of Easter falls between Ascension and Pentecost — a Sunday of waiting. The disciples have watched Jesus ascend and are gathered in prayer, not yet knowing what comes next. Jesus prays for his people before his departure. Peter calls the church to humility and steadfastness under trial. This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (Year A) and is shaped by themes of waiting, prayer, suffering, and the unity Christ desires for his people.
The lectionary readings at a glance
Acts 1:6–14 — After the ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem and gather in prayer with the women, Mary, and Jesus' brothers. They wait. The church is born in a room full of people who do not yet know what is coming.
Psalm 68:1–10, 32–35 — A song of God's power and care. God rides through the heavens, gives strength to his people, and is awesome in his sanctuary. Let the peoples praise him.
1 Peter 4:12–14; 5:6–11 — Suffering for the faith is not a surprise. It is a sharing in Christ's suffering. Humble yourselves. Cast your anxiety on God, who cares for you. The God of all grace will restore, support, and strengthen you.
John 17:1–11 — Jesus prays for his disciples before his passion. He has made the Father known and asks that they be protected and kept in unity. Eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son he has sent.
Call to worship — Option 1
One: Christ has ascended. The Spirit has not yet come.
All: We wait together, as the disciples waited, in prayer.
One: Jesus has prayed for us — that we may be one, as he and the Father are one.
All: We gather in his name, held in his prayer.
One: Come, let us worship the God who hears and who is coming.
All: We come with open hands, trusting the one who cares for us.
Call to worship — Option 2
One: Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth.
All: He rides through the heavens and gives strength to his people.
One: Cast all your anxiety on him.
All: For he cares for us.
One: Let us worship the God of all grace, who will restore and strengthen us.
All: We come with humble hearts, trusting his power and his care.
Opening prayer
God of all grace, we come to you in the in-between — between what has been and what is still to come. You have not left us without your Word, without each other, or without your care. As we gather, humble our hearts, quiet our anxious minds, and draw us into the prayer Christ prays for us even now. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of confession
Merciful God, we confess that waiting is hard for us. We fill the silence with worry, we resist humility, and we forget that you care for us. Forgive us. Teach us to cast our anxiety on you, to stand firm in faith, and to trust that your grace is sufficient. Amen.
Assurance of pardon
Hear the good news: "The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:10)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and held.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for illumination
Eternal God, your Word endures. As Scripture is read and proclaimed, open our hearts to hear what your Spirit is saying to your church. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Benediction
Go in the care of the God who hears. Christ has prayed for you, the Spirit is coming, and you are not alone in the waiting. Humble yourselves, cast your anxiety on him, and trust his grace.
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
