Liturgy for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Proper 25, Year A, Matthew)
Introduction
What makes a life complete? This Sunday's readings sit with that question from two directions: the shortness of our days, and the love that gives those days their weight.
Below is a complete liturgy for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Proper 25), Year A, in the Revised Common Lectionary, with a call to worship, opening prayer, prayer of confession, assurance of pardon, prayer for Illumination, and benediction. If these resources serve your congregation, join my newsletter for ministry resources, sent a few times a month.
Lectionary readings for this Sunday
Deuteronomy 34:1-12: From Mount Nebo, Moses sees the land promised to his people, and there he dies and is buried by God. View the Promised Land map, and see how scholars approach who wrote Deuteronomy, including the account of Moses' own death.
I often think of how Moses wanted so badly for the next generation to faithfully walk with God. Even at the close of our life, we must trust God for the future of those we leave behind.
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17: The only psalm attributed to Moses, a prayer about the brevity of life and the everlasting God. See how many psalms David, Moses, Asaph, and Solomon wrote.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8: Paul recalls coming to Thessalonica after mistreatment in Philippi and caring for the church like a nurse tending her children. Read about Silas, Paul's partner on that journey, and the cities Paul visited.
Matthew 22:34-46: Asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus names love of God and love of neighbor, then turns the question back on his questioners. See how many laws are in the Torah and what agape means.
Liturgy for this Sunday
Call to Worship
One: Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
All: From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
One: Our days are few, and they rest in your hands.
All: Teach us to make each one count.
One: Come, let us worship the God who has carried us this far.
All: Let us worship the Lord together.
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, you showed Moses the land from the mountaintop and laid him to rest with your own hands. Our days are brief, but your love endures. Teach us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, so that our short lives are spent on what lasts. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that our love is often small and conditional. We pass by the needs of our neighbors, and we guard our hearts against your full claim on our lives. Forgive us, mend what is broken among us, and hold us in your steady love. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:8, 12)
Know that your sins are forgiven through Jesus Christ, and walk in his peace. Amen.
More on the Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Holy God, as we open your Word, open our hearts to you and to one another. Teach us what love requires, and give us the will to live it. Amen.
Benediction
Go now, and love God with all that you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. May the favor of the Lord our God be upon you, and may God prosper the work of your hands, today and always. Amen.
More Benedictions and Blessings
See also
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
Planning next Sunday?
This liturgy is one of many. Find more for your worship planning in two places.
