Liturgy for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C (Luke)
You have my permission to use this material.
Like you, I’m in ministry.
I like to help others who serve God and the church by sharing what I create. I hope it helps.
Please leave a comment below—say hello and let us know where you’re reading from. We’ve got readers from around the world, and it’s a joy to see how God is at work across the globe.
When you share a link from this site (or retweet, etc.) on your social, it helps others like you and me find it through the algorithm.
What Is Liturgy? A Quick Guide for Worshippers
Liturgy simply means “the work of the people.” It refers to the shared rhythms, prayers, Scriptures, and actions we use in worship to glorify God and shape our hearts. Whether ancient or modern, liturgy invites us to participate—not just observe. Through liturgy, we rehearse the gospel and remember who we are in Christ. If you’re new to liturgy, this weekly resource will help you follow along and enter more deeply into worship.
Summary for Liturgy and Worship
In Jeremiah 2:4–13, God speaks a sharp word of lament. Though God rescued and led Israel through the wilderness, the people have turned to worthless idols and broken cisterns that hold no water. Their spiritual amnesia leads to collapse.
Psalm 81:1, 10–16 echoes the same concern. God calls Israel to listen and return, reminding them of the One who delivered them from slavery and longed to feed them with finest wheat.
Proverbs 25:6–7 urges humility, teaching that it is better to take the low seat and be invited forward than to exalt yourself and be publicly humbled.
Psalm 112 praises the righteous—those who fear the Lord, delight in God’s commandments, and live with generosity, justice, and compassion.
Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16 grounds us in practical discipleship: love one another, show hospitality, care for those in prison, honor marriage, and share what we have. These are sacrifices pleasing to God, offered through Christ who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
In Luke 14:1, 7–14, Jesus challenges cultural assumptions about honor and place. He encourages humility in seating and generosity in invitation—calling his followers to welcome those who cannot repay, because that is the heart of God.
Liturgy for Worship
Call to Worship
One: God invites us to the table—
All: Not because of status, but because of grace.
One: We come not to be seen, but to be shaped.
All: We come with humility, ready to listen and to love.
One: Let us worship the God who lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things.
Opening Prayer
Faithful and generous God, you are the fountain of living water, yet we confess that we chase what does not satisfy. You offer us a place at your table, and we grasp for seats of honor. You invite us to serve and to share, and we often hold back out of fear or pride. As we gather in your presence, quiet our striving. Humble our hearts. Teach us to love what you love—to honor the poor, to welcome the forgotten, and to delight in giving more than receiving. Let our worship reflect your grace and our lives be filled with your Spirit. In the name of Jesus, who took the lowest place, Amen.
Call to Confession
We don’t need to earn our seat at the table. But we do need to come honestly. Let us confess where we’ve wandered and open our hearts to God’s restoring mercy.
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy, we confess that we often live by pride instead of humility, by self-promotion instead of compassion. We choose seats of status and cling to our reputations. We forget the poor, ignore the lonely, and overlook the ones who can’t repay us. Forgive us. Cleanse our hearts. Teach us to live by your wisdom—to take the lower place, to make room for others, and to give with joy and justice. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear this promise from Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
God’s grace does not change. God’s love is not based on status, effort, or merit.
In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven and set free.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for Illumination
Eternal God, your Word is living and active. It humbles the proud and lifts up the weary. As we read and reflect today, open our ears to hear your voice. Help us recognize your kingdom in the teachings of Jesus, and give us grace to live them out in our daily lives. Amen.
