Liturgy for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
(Year C, Proper 28/33)
Texts: Isaiah 65:17–25; Isaiah 12; Malachi 4:1–2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13; Luke 21:5–19
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
Isaiah 65:17–25 envisions a new heaven and a new earth—an end to sorrow, injustice, and death. God’s people will build and plant, live in peace, and rejoice forever in divine delight.
Isaiah 12 responds with joy, proclaiming that the Lord has become salvation and that God’s deeds are to be made known among all nations.
Malachi 4:1–2a contrasts the day of judgment with the dawn of righteousness for those who fear the Lord. Psalm 98 echoes that hope, calling all creation to sing for joy at God’s righteous reign.
2 Thessalonians 3:6–13 warns against idleness and encourages the faithful to keep working, doing good, and not growing weary.
Luke 21:5–19 reminds us that the signs of the end are not reasons for fear, but opportunities for faithful witness. God’s people are called to endurance, trusting that “by your endurance you will gain your souls.” Read more here.
Together, these readings affirm that even in uncertainty, God is creating something new—renewing the world, calling us to perseverance, and inviting us to sing with joy.
Call to Worship
One: Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things!
All: Let the seas roar and the hills sing together for joy.
One: The Lord is making all things new.
All: We will rejoice and be glad in God’s steadfast love.
One: Come, people of God—rejoice in hope, stand firm in faith, and sing with joy!
All: Glory and praise to the God of creation, salvation, and renewal!
See also: 22 Biblical Calls to Worship and 28 Modern (and Biblical) Calls to Worship.
Opening Prayer
God of promise and renewal, you are the beginning and the end, the first and the last. When we grow weary, you give us strength. When the world trembles, you remain steadfast. As we gather to worship you, open our hearts to your new creation. Let the joy of your salvation fill us, and may our lives bear witness to your coming kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.
Call to Confession
God’s mercy is everlasting, and God’s truth endures to all generations. Let us confess our sins and turn again to the One who makes all things new.
Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, we confess that we grow impatient in waiting for your kingdom. We focus on what is passing instead of what is eternal. We grow anxious about the future and forget that our lives are held in your hands. Forgive us for our doubts, our fears, and our idleness. Renew our hope and teach us to live faithfully in the present moment, trusting that your purposes will prevail. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “For I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.” In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and made whole. Thanks be to God! (Jeremiah 31:34)
See also: Assurance of Pardon: Meaning, Scripture.
Prayer for Illumination
God of wisdom and truth, your Word stands firm when the world shakes. Speak to us now by your Spirit, that we may hear your promise, trust your goodness, and live in hope until all things are made new in Christ. Amen.
See also: 24 Prayers of Illumination.
Benediction Prayer
Go forth as people of hope and endurance.
Stand firm in faith, rejoice in God’s salvation, and labor in love.
And may the blessing of God—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
be with you now 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).
