Liturgy for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A (Matthew)
Introduction
This Sunday’s scripture options hold a love story, a struggle, and an invitation to rest. Rebekah is found for Isaac through providence and a long journey. Paul names the war within himself between what he wants to do and what he actually does. And Jesus, who has just been rejected by the crowds, opens his arms to the weary: come to me, all who are tired, and I will give you rest. The readings move from provision to struggle to gentleness.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for Proper 9. It includes the themes of providence, inner struggle, and the rest that Christ offers.
The lectionary readings at a glance
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67: Abraham's servant finds Rebekah at the well, and she agrees to journey back to marry Isaac. Providence and consent meet here. Isaac is comforted after his mother's death by the love he finds with her.
Psalm 45:10-17: A royal wedding song, celebrating beauty, honor, and the blessing of generations to come.
Song of Solomon 2:8-13: An alternate reading. The voice of the beloved calling: arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. Spring has come, and love calls.
Zechariah 9:9-12: An alternate track. Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion. Your king comes humble, riding on a donkey, bringing peace and freedom to prisoners of hope.
Psalm 145:8-14: An alternate track. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
Romans 7:15-25a: Paul names the struggle within: I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30: Jesus laments that this generation could not be satisfied by John or by him. Yet he turns and offers the gentlest invitation in the Gospels: come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
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Call to Worship - Option 1
One: “Come to me, all who are weary,” says the Lord.
All: We come, carrying what is heavy, seeking rest.
One: His yoke is easy and his burden is light.
All: We lay our burdens before the one who is gentle and humble of heart.
One: Come, let us worship the God who gives rest to the weary.
All: We gather to receive what we cannot give ourselves.
Call to Worship - Option 2
One: The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
All: He upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
One: Rejoice greatly. Our king comes humble, bringing peace.
All: We come with joy to worship the one who frees us.
One: Let us worship the God whose mercy meets us where we are.
All: We gather, grateful and free.
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Opening prayer
Gentle and humble God, you see our weariness and the struggle within us, and you offer rest rather than burden. As we gather, quiet what is restless in us and let us hear your invitation. Teach us to set down what is heavy and to receive what you freely give. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of confession
Merciful God, we confess that we often do what we do not want to do, and fail to do what we long for. We carry burdens you never asked us to carry, and resist the rest you offer. Forgive us. Rescue us from what holds us captive and lead us into your gentleness. Amen.
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Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25a)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and given rest.
Thanks be to God!
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Prayer of Illumination
Gracious God, your word is gentle and your truth gives rest. As Scripture is read and proclaimed, ease our striving and open our hearts to receive. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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Benediction
Go in the rest of Christ. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Carry what he gives you, set down what he does not ask of you, and walk gently in his grace.
For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.
