Liturgy for World Communion Sunday (Proper 27, Year A)
Introduction
This week's liturgy for World Communion Sunday follows the Revised Common Lectionary, turning our attention to God's generous provisions, the boundaries we build versus the table God sets, and the call to share in Christ's abundance across every dividing line.
Lectionary Readings for this Sunday
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20: God gives the commandments at Sinai, calling the people into a covenant rhythm of life.
Psalm 19: The heavens declare the glory of God.
Philippians 3:4b-14: Paul counts everything as loss compared to knowing Christ.
Matthew 21:33-46: Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants.
Call to Worship
One: From every corner of the earth, across every language and divide, God gathers us.
All: We come to a table that is wider than our imagination.
One: The vineyard is the Lord's, and the feast is prepared for all people.
All: Let us break bread together in unity and peace.
One: Let us worship the God who welcomes us home.
All: Let us join our siblings across the sanctuary and around the world and worship the Lord together.
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, you have set a table in the wilderness and invited the world to feast. Break down the walls we build and stretch our hearts to embrace your vast family. Feed us with your grace so that we might share your abundance with a hungry world. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we often act like owners rather than stewards. We hoard your gifts, build fences around your grace, and divide what you intend to be shared. Forgive our narrow visions and our self-protective fears. Open our hands, loosen our grip, and make us instruments of your universal peace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." In Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are united as one body. Amen.
More assurance of pardon scripture
Prayer for Illumination
Speak, O Lord, and let your word clear away our confusion, reviving our souls and guiding our steps into your way. Amen.
Benediction
Go from this table into a broken world with open hands and shared bread. Go knowing that you are held in God's grace, and may the peace of Christ bind us together across all distances, today and always. Amen.
More benedictions and blessings
See also Worship Resources Calls to Worship Opening Prayers Assurance of Pardon Prayer of Illumination Benedictions and Blessings
Planning next Sunday?
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