Liturgy for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A (Matthew)

Introduction

The Sixth Sunday of Easter moves the church toward Ascension. Jesus promises that he will not leave his disciples orphaned — the Spirit is coming. Paul stands in Athens and proclaims a God who is not far from any of us, in whom we live and move and have our being. The readings for this day speak of a faith that holds under pressure, a God who is nearer than we think, and a Spirit who is already on the way. This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A) and is shaped by themes of witness, the presence of the Spirit, and the nearness of God.

The lectionary readings at a glance

Acts 17:22–31 — Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus. He begins with what they already sense — an unknown God — and proclaims the one in whom we live and move and have our being. God is not far from any of us.

Psalm 66:8–20 — A song of praise for God's faithfulness through trial. The psalmist testifies that God tested them, brought them through fire and water, and did not turn away when they cried out.

1 Peter 3:13–22 — Believers are called to give a gentle and reverent account of the hope within them, even when suffering for doing good. Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God.

John 14:15–21 — Jesus promises the Spirit of truth, who will be with his disciples forever. He will not leave them orphaned. Those who love him will keep his commandments and know his presence.

Call to worship — Option 1

One: In God we live and move and have our being.

All: He is not far from any one of us.

One: He has not left us orphaned. The Spirit of truth is with us.

All: We gather in the presence of the one who draws near.

One: Come, let us worship the God who holds our lives and hears our cry.

All: We come with praise, for he has not turned away from us.

Call to worship — Option 2

One: Bless our God, all you peoples.

All: He has kept us among the living and not let our feet slip.

One: He tested us and brought us through fire and water.

All: Yet he heard our voice and did not turn away.

One: Let us worship the God who is faithful through every trial.

All: We come with gratitude, for his steadfast love endures.

Opening prayer

God who is not far from any of us, we gather in your presence, trusting that you hold our lives. You have brought us through fire and water, you have not left us without your Spirit, and you have promised to make yourself known to those who love you. Open our hearts to your nearness today. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayer of confession

Merciful God, we confess that we have lived as though you were far away. We have grown anxious, gone silent about our hope, and failed to love as you have called us to. Forgive us. Remind us that we live and move in you, and send your Spirit to lead us back to faithfulness. Amen.

Assurance of pardon

Hear the good news: "Christ suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God." (1 Peter 3:18)

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and brought near to God.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer for illumination

Spirit of truth, guide us into all that is true. As your Word is proclaimed, let us hear and understand. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Benediction

Go in the presence of the Spirit who will not leave you. You live and move in God, your hope is real, and you are not alone. Go, and be ready to speak of the hope within you.

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