Liturgy for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A (Matthew)

Introduction

A new king rises in Egypt who does not know Joseph, and the Hebrew midwives defy his order out of a fear of God greater than their fear of Pharaoh. A child is hidden in a basket among the reeds and pulled from the water into a new life.

Isaiah calls the people to look to the rock from which they were hewn.

Paul urges the church to be transformed rather than conformed, each member offering different gifts to one body.

And when Jesus asks his disciples who they say he is, Peter answers plainly, and Christ names him the rock on which the church will be built.

This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A) and is shaped by themes of courage, identity, and the God who is our foundation.

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Lectionary Readings for this Sunday

Exodus 1:8-2:10: A new king who does not know Joseph oppresses the Israelites. The midwives Shiphrah and Puah defy Pharaoh's order out of reverence for God. Moses is born, hidden, and drawn from the water by Pharaoh's daughter.

The setup or transition from Genesis to Exodus is this: The name for Egypt in Hebrew is Mitzrayim (it was Egypt’s way of referring to themselves) and means “the narrow place” or “constricting.” Genesis ends and Exodus begins with the Israelites being fruitful and prolific. How will they thrive and be fruitful in a place of constriction?

Psalm 124: A song of deliverance. If the Lord had not been on our side, the flood would have swept us away. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers.

Isaiah 51:1-6 (alternate first reading): God calls the people to look to the rock from which they were hewn, to Abraham and Sarah, and promises a salvation and deliverance that will last forever.

Psalm 138 (alternate psalm): A song of thanksgiving. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life, and your steadfast love endures forever.

Romans 12:1-8: Paul urges the church not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of the mind, and describes the many members of one body, each with gifts that differ.

When I preach about the use of spiritual gifts, I use the term “GPS” which stands for Gifts, Passions, and Skills. If you want to find your way in life and faith, follow the GPS God has developed in you.

Matthew 16:13-20: Jesus asks his disciples who they say he is. Peter confesses him as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and Jesus names him the rock on which the church will be built.

Liturgy for this Sunday

Call to Worship

One: God is the rock of our salvation, strong, steady, and secure.

All: We come to God for safety, forgiveness, and strength.

One: Christ is the rock on which we are built.

All: And nothing will prevail against him or God’s people.

One: Come, let us worship the God who is our foundation.

All: Come, let us worship the God who builds us into one.

Opening Prayer

Today God, we remember that your are the source of our salvation, strength, and faith. We depend upon you for all things, including the blessing of this day. As we sing, pray, and hear your gospel, renew our minds, steady our courage, and help us to testify to who you are. With hope in our hearts, amen.

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we have conformed to the patterns of this world instead of being transformed by you. We have kept quiet when courage was needed and answered vaguely when you asked who we say you are. Forgive us, and make us living sacrifices, renewed in mind and bold in faith. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

"We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped." Psalm 124:7

More assurance of pardon scripture

Prayer for Illumination

Open our minds, God, that we may be transformed and not conformed. Help us hear your word and answer honestly who you say we are. Amen.

Benediction

Go, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Go, and answer bravely when the world asks who you follow. And may the God who is our rock, our foundation, and our deliverer, go with you now. Amen.

More benedictions and blessings

See also

Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer of Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings