Liturgy for the Third Sunday after Pentecost (Year A, Matthew)
Introduction
This Sunday the lectionary brings a fulfilled promise and an urgent mission. Sarah laughs at the promise of a son, and then holds him. Jesus looks out at the crowds and sees a harvest with no workers. He sends the twelve, giving them authority to do what he has been doing. The readings speak of a God who keeps his word beyond all expectation, and a church sent into need it did not create.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for Proper 6 (Year A) and is shaped by themes of promise, abundance, compassion, and sending.
The lectionary readings at a glance
Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7): Three visitors come to Abraham and Sarah. One promises that Sarah will have a son. She laughs. But the Lord keeps his word, and Isaac is born. Nothing is too wonderful for the Lord.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19: A song of gratitude from one who cried out and was heard. What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness? I will lift the cup of salvation and call on his name.
Exodus 19:2-8a: An alternate track. At Sinai, God calls Israel a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. The people respond: Everything the Lord has spoken, we will do.
Psalm 100: An alternate track. Make a joyful noise to the Lord. Know that he made us and we are his. His steadfast love endures forever.
Romans 5:1-8: We have peace with God through faith. Suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. And hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23): Jesus travels through towns and villages, teaching and healing. He sees the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He calls his twelve disciples and sends them out with authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, and proclaim the kingdom. The harvest is plentiful. Pray for workers.
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Call to Worship - Option 1
One: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
All: We come to the Lord of the harvest, ready to be sent.
One: Jesus sees the crowds with compassion and calls his people to go.
All: He gave freely. We go freely.
One: Come, let us worship the God who sends us into his work.
All: We gather to be equipped and to be sent.
Call to Worship - Option 2
One: Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?
All: God keeps promises beyond all we could imagine.
One: The Lord’s steadfast love endures forever. His faithfulness to all generations.
All: We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
One: Come, let us worship the God who made us and calls us his own.
All: We enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
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Opening prayer
Lord of the harvest, you see what we cannot see and you keep promises we have stopped believing in. As we gather, open our eyes to the work you are doing and the need you are calling us into. Give us compassion for the crowds, courage to go where you send us, and trust in the one who sends us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have often stood still when you called us to go. We have grown comfortable, lost sight of the harvest, and withheld freely what we have freely received. Forgive us. Restore our compassion, renew our courage, and send us out again in your name. Amen.
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Assurance of pardon
Hear the good news: "God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored.
Thanks be to God!
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Prayer for illumination
God of promise, your word does not return empty. As Scripture is read and proclaimed, let it accomplish what you intend. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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Benediction
Go in the name of the one who sends you. The harvest is plentiful, his love endures forever, and nothing is too wonderful for the Lord. Go freely, as you have freely received.
For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.
