Liturgy for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C (Luke)
Scripture for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:16–34 – Paul and Silas are imprisoned, yet God’s liberating power leads to an earthquake, their release, and the conversion of a jailer and his household.
Psalm 97 – A celebration of God’s reign marked by justice, glory, and light, declaring God’s supremacy and deliverance.
Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20–21 – A final promise from Jesus to return soon, offering living water freely to all who thirst and sealing God’s blessing on the faithful.
John 17:20–26 – Jesus prays for unity among his followers, asking that they may be one, filled with love, and share in his glory.
Call to Worship
One: Welcome friends, family, and neighbors. Today we worship, pray, sing, and receive the sacrament of Holy Communion.
All: It is a gift to be called and gathered, to be able to worship God in community.
One: We gather and remember the words Jesus spoke, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
All: His words opened their minds to understand the scriptures. It changed their lives forever.
One: May the Spirit open our minds today as we hear the gospel of Jesus in many forms.
All: May our lives be changed as we worship God together.
Opening Prayer
One: Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us.
All: Open our hearts to your Word, that we may hear with clarity, receive with humility, and live with courage. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: God of freedom,
All: We confess that we are often bound by fear, silence, or comfort.
We overlook injustice, ignore the cries of the suffering, and hesitate to speak or act when your Spirit calls.
Forgive us for the chains we accept and the chains we place on others.
Break open our hearts, and lead us into the risky joy of your liberating love. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
One: Hear and believe the good news:
All: In Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are set free—free from sin, free to live, and free to love and serve.
Prayer for Illumination
One: God of light and liberty,
All: Send your Spirit to open our hearts and minds. Break through whatever binds us, so we may hear your Word with clarity and respond with courage. Amen.
