Liturgy for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, Year C (Luke)
November 2, 2025 (Year C, Proper 26/31)
Texts: Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4; Psalm 119:137–144; Isaiah 1:10–18; Psalm 32:1–7; 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, 11–12; Luke 19:1–10
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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
Habakkuk 1:1–4 and 2:1–4 wrestle with the tension between faith and injustice. Though the prophet sees violence and wrongdoing, God calls him to wait and trust: “the righteous live by their faith.”
Psalm 119:137–144 celebrates the righteousness of God’s decrees and the sustaining power of divine truth in times of trouble.
Isaiah 1:10–18 calls for repentance—not empty worship but justice and compassion, urging the people to “cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice.”
2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, 11–12 praises the believers’ steadfast faith and prays that God will make them worthy of their calling, so that the name of Jesus may be glorified in them.
Luke 19:1–10 tells the story of Zacchaeus—a man despised and dismissed, yet sought out by Jesus. Salvation enters his house, and a life once marked by greed becomes one of generosity and joy.
Together, these texts proclaim a God who confronts injustice, forgives sin, and transforms lives. Faith waits, mercy forgives, and grace restores.
Call to Worship
One: God of justice and mercy, you are righteous in all your ways.
All: Your Word is truth, your promises never fail.
One: You lift up the humble and restore the brokenhearted.
All: You call us to seek good, to do justice, and to walk humbly with you.
One: Let us worship the God who forgives, transforms, and renews.
All: With joy and faith, we come to praise the Lord our Redeemer!
See also: 22 Biblical Calls to Worship and 28 Modern (and Biblical) Calls to Worship.
Opening Prayer
Righteous God, you see the world’s injustice and the cries of the oppressed. You also see our hearts, where sin still hides and pride takes root. Yet your mercy is greater than our failure, and your love is stronger than our fear. As we gather in your presence, renew our faith and shape our lives according to your will. Seek us as you sought Zacchaeus, and help us to welcome your transforming grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.
Call to Confession
The Lord calls not the proud, but the repentant. Let us come before God in humility, trusting in divine mercy.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we often live for ourselves rather than for you. We cling to comfort and ignore the cries of those in need. We confess our complicity in systems that harm and our reluctance to change. Forgive us for empty words and shallow faith. Turn our hearts toward your justice and our hands toward your mercy. Renew in us the joy of salvation, that we may walk in humility and live in the light of your grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of your people? You will again have compassion upon us; you will tread our iniquities under foot and cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and set free to live new lives. Thanks be to God! (Micah 7:18–19)
See also: Assurance of Pardon: Meaning, Scripture.
Prayer for Illumination
God of truth and grace, your Word is a light to our path and a lamp to our feet. Shine that light upon us now. Quiet our distractions, deepen our faith, and help us to see where you are calling us to repentance and renewal. Through Jesus Christ, the Living Word, we pray, Amen.
See also: 24 Prayers of Illumination.
Benediction Prayer
Go forth as people forgiven and renewed.
Live with faith, act with justice, and walk humbly with your God.
And may the blessing of God—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
go with you this day and always. Amen.
See also: 22 Benedictions and Blessings in the Bible, Biblical Blessings: Meaning, Examples, and Relevance Today, and Final Greeting and Benediction (Philippians 4:21–23).
