Liturgy for Trinity Sunday, Year A (Matthew)
Introduction
Trinity Sunday invites the church to worship the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — not as a puzzle to be solved but as a mystery to be entered. The readings move from the first words of creation to the last words of the risen Christ, with Paul's trinitarian blessing holding them together. God speaks the world into being, breathes life into it, and calls it good. Jesus sends his disciples into that same world in the name of the triune God. This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for Trinity Sunday (Year A) and is shaped by themes of creation, worship, and the name into which we are baptized.
The lectionary readings at a glance
Genesis 1:1–2:4a — In the beginning, God creates. Light, sky, land, creatures, and finally humankind — made in God's image, blessed, and called very good. God rests on the seventh day and hallows it. Creation is the first act of the triune God's love.
Psalm 8 — A hymn of wonder. How majestic is God's name in all the earth. The heavens declare his glory, yet he is mindful of human beings and has crowned them with honor. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name.
2 Corinthians 13:11–13 — Paul closes his letter with a call to unity and a trinitarian blessing: the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Matthew 28:16–20 — The risen Jesus meets his disciples on the mountain. He sends them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He will be with them always, to the end of the age.
Call to worship — Option 1
One: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
All: And God saw that it was good.
One: The risen Christ sends us in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
All: We are a baptized people, claimed by the triune God.
One: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
All: We gather to worship the God who made us, redeemed us, and dwells within us.
Call to worship — Option 2
One: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
One: We are made in the image of God, redeemed by Christ, and filled with the Spirit.
All: We come in wonder, for we are held by a God beyond our knowing.
One: Let us worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
All: One God, now and forever. Amen.
Opening prayer
Holy God, Father, Son, and Spirit, you spoke the world into being, you came among us in flesh and blood, and you dwell within us still. We cannot fully comprehend you, but we can worship you. Draw us into the mystery of your love today, and let us leave more in wonder than when we came. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you as Creator, followed you as Lord, or walked in step with your Spirit. We have failed to bear your image well and forgotten the name into which we were baptized. Forgive us, and restore us to right relationship with you — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Assurance of pardon
Hear the good news: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you." (2 Corinthians 13:13)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and held in the love of the triune God.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for illumination
God of all wisdom, your Word called creation into being and calls us still. Open our hearts as Scripture is read and proclaimed. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Benediction
Go in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You were made in God's image, redeemed by his grace, and filled with his Spirit. And remember: he is with you always, to the end of the age.
For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.
See also
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer of Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
