Liturgy for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Year C, Luke)
Texts: Jeremiah 18:1–11; Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18; Deuteronomy 30:15–20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1:1–21; Luke 14:25–33
Summary for Liturgy and Worship
Jeremiah 18:1–11 pictures God as the potter shaping clay. Israel’s fate is not fixed; repentance can reshape the vessel.
Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18 reminds us that God knows us completely—inside and out, even from the womb—and that God’s thoughts toward us are vast and precious.
Deuteronomy 30:15–20 sets before the people a choice: life and prosperity through obedience, or death and adversity by turning away.
Psalm 1 celebrates the righteous who delight in God’s law, rooted like trees by streams of water, while the wicked wither like chaff. I wrote about this passage here.
Philemon 1:1–21 shows Paul appealing for Onesimus, urging Philemon to see him not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ—calling for costly reconciliation.
Luke 14:25–33 challenges us with the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus means surrendering all claims of possession and priority, carrying the cross, and counting the cost. I wrote about this passage here.
Together, the readings press us toward choice and commitment.
Call to Worship
One: Come, people of God, and rejoice in the Lord!
All: The Maker of heaven and earth has formed us and knows us by name.
One: From everlasting to everlasting, the Lord is God.
All: In wisdom and power, God rules over all creation.
One: Blessed is the One who calls us to life and sets us on the way.
All: We delight in the law of the Lord and lift our voices in praise!
One: Come, let us worship the Holy One with joy and thanksgiving.
All: Glory, honor, and praise be to God forever!
Opening Prayer
Potter God, you shape our lives with care and intention. Yet we confess that we resist your hands, preferring our own plans. You set before us the way of life, yet we cling to lesser things. In this time of worship, soften our hearts. Form us again as vessels of your mercy. Teach us to count the cost, to choose the way of Christ, and to delight in your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Call to Confession
God’s Word is not distant—it is very near to us, in our mouths and in our hearts. Let us confess honestly where we have resisted God’s shaping love and turned aside from life.
Prayer of Confession Merciful God,
Merciful God, we confess that we often choose the easy path instead of the faithful one. We avoid sacrifice and shrink back from the cross. We cling to possessions, status, and comfort more than to you. We overlook our neighbors and fail to see brothers and sisters in Christ. Forgive us and shape us anew. Teach us to walk in your ways, to delight in your Word, and to trust that your hands are steady and good. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven and set free to walk in the way of life.
Thanks be to God!
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Prayer for Illumination
God of wisdom and truth, your Word is life and blessing. By your Spirit, open our hearts to receive what you speak today. Shape us through Scripture into disciples who follow Jesus faithfully, whatever the cost. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of life, you search us and know us; you are with us in every place.
We bring our prayers to you:
For your church in all places, that we may embody the costly love of Christ.
For nations and leaders, that they may choose life, justice, and peace.
For those who suffer oppression, violence, or exploitation, that they may know freedom and hope.
For families and communities, so that reconciliation and forgiveness may take root.
For the sick, the grieving, and the weary, that your Spirit may bring comfort and healing.
God, shape us as vessels of mercy. Hear our prayers, spoken and unspoken, in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray…
The Lord’s Prayer
Benediction Prayer
Go now, shaped by the hand of the Potter.
Choose life, walk in God’s ways, and carry the cross of Christ.
And may the blessing of God—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
be with you now and always. Amen.
