Liturgy for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Year C, Luke)
Texts: Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15, Psalm 91:1–6, 14–16, Amos 6:1a, 4–7, Psalm 146, 1 Timothy 6:6–19, Luke 16:19–31
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What Is Liturgy? A Quick Guide for Worshippers
Liturgy simply means “the work of the people.” It refers to the shared rhythms, prayers, Scriptures, and actions we use in worship to glorify God and shape our hearts. Whether ancient or modern, liturgy invites us to participate—not just observe. Through liturgy, we rehearse the gospel and remember who we are in Christ. If you’re new to liturgy, this weekly resource will help you follow along and enter more deeply into worship.
Summary for Liturgy and Worship
Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15 shows Jeremiah purchasing a field while Jerusalem faces siege, a prophetic sign of God’s promise that life will flourish again.
Psalm 91:1–6, 14–16 celebrates God as refuge and deliverer, assuring protection for those who trust in the Lord.
Amos 6:1a, 4–7 condemns the complacency and luxury of the wealthy who ignore the ruin of others, warning of exile to come. Psalm 146 contrasts misplaced trust in rulers with the steadfast faithfulness of the Lord, who lifts up the oppressed and sustains the vulnerable.
1 Timothy 6:6–19 warns against the love of money, urging contentment, generosity, and steadfast faith as the true riches of life.
Luke 16:19–31 tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, warning against indifference to suffering and calling us to repentance and justice. I wrote about this powerful story here.
Together, these readings urge us to place our hope not in wealth or power, but in the living God.
Call to Worship
One: Praise the Lord, O my soul!
All: I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
One: The Lord sets the prisoners free, opens the eyes of the blind, and lifts up those who are bowed down.
All: The Lord loves the righteous and watches over the stranger, the orphan, and the widow.
One: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
All: Come, let us worship the Lord who reigns forever, from generation to generation!
See also: 22 Biblical Calls to Worship and 28 Modern (and Biblical) Calls to Worship.
Opening Prayer
Faithful God, you are our refuge and strength, the one who rescues the poor and sustains the weary. Yet we confess that we are tempted by comfort and blinded by wealth. As we gather in worship, free us from false trust in riches and power. Fix our hope on you alone. Teach us generosity, mercy, and steadfast love, that our lives may reflect your kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.
Call to Confession
The Lord raises the lowly and calls us to repentance. Let us confess our sins and trust in God’s mercy.
Prayer of Confession
God of compassion, we confess that we often fail to see the people at our gates. We turn away from suffering, convincing ourselves that it does not concern us. We grow comfortable in our routines and blind to the cries of those in need. Our hearts become dull to your call for justice and mercy. Forgive us, Lord. Open our eyes to see our neighbors with your compassion. Break our indifference and teach us to walk in the way of Christ, who became poor so that we might share in the riches of your grace. In his name we pray, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven, cleansed, and set free to walk in newness of life. Thanks be to God!(1 John 1:9)
See also: Assurance of Pardon: Meaning, Scripture.
Prayer for Illumination
God of justice and mercy, your Word is our life. By your Spirit, open our eyes to the suffering we would rather ignore, and our hearts to the hope you promise. Teach us to hear your voice, repent where we have strayed, and walk in the way of Christ with joy. Amen.
See also: 24 Prayers of Illumination.
Benediction Prayer
Go forth as people who trust not in wealth but in the living God.
Live with generosity, love mercy, and bear witness to God’s kingdom.
And may the blessing of God—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
be with you now and always. Amen.
See also: 22 Benedictions and Blessings in the Bible, Biblical Blessings: Meaning, Examples, and Relevance Today, and Final Greeting and Benediction (Philippians 4:21–23).
