Worship Liturgy for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C (Luke)
Theme: Faithful Justice and Compassion in the Way of Christ
Introduction
Today’s readings call us to faithful justice, compassionate love, and steadfast trust in God. From Amos’s prophetic challenge to Deuteronomy’s invitation to choose life, from Paul’s prayers for spiritual strength to Jesus’ call to love our neighbor, we hear God’s summons to live with integrity and mercy.
Summary of the Day’s Passages
Amos 7:7-17
The prophet Amos sees a vision of a plumb line—God’s measure for justice—and confronts King Amaziah about the need to speak truth and call out injustice, even when it costs dearly.
Psalm 82
God stands in judgment over unjust rulers, calling for defense of the weak and upholding the cause of the poor and oppressed.
Deuteronomy 30:9-14
God promises blessing and life when the people return in obedience, reminding them that God’s word is near, in their hearts and mouths.
Psalm 25:1-10
A prayer of trust and guidance, asking God to teach the paths of faithfulness and forgive sins, with confidence in God’s steadfast love.
Colossians 1:1-14
Paul prays for the Colossians, giving thanks for their faith and asking that they be filled with wisdom, strength, and joy rooted in Christ.
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating that neighborly love crosses boundaries and calls for active compassion.
Call to Worship
One: The LORD reigns in steadfast justice, upholding the cause of the oppressed and giving strength to the weak.
All: We gather as a covenant people, called to bear witness to God’s faithfulness.
One: God’s law is written not only on tablets but on our hearts, summoning us to lives of mercy and truth.
All: We come to worship, mindful of our calling and reliant on God’s grace.
One: Though the world is broken, God’s steadfast love endures forever, redeeming and sustaining us.
All: In humility and hope, we lift our voices to the God of justice and peace.
Opening Prayer
God of justice and mercy, you call us to love our neighbors and defend the weak. Teach us your ways that we may walk in your truth. Strengthen our hearts to live faithfully, and send your Spirit to guide our steps. May our worship this day inspire lives marked by compassion and courage. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.
Call to Confession
One: In the face of injustice and apathy,
we confess our failures to act and love.
Let us seek God’s mercy and grace.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, forgive us when we turn away from those in need. Forgive us when we choose comfort over justice, silence over truth. Help us to live as neighbors to all, bearing your love in word and deed. Renew our spirits and empower us to follow Christ’s example faithfully. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Hear the promise from Colossians 1:13-14: “He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
By God’s grace, we are forgiven and called to new life.
All: Thanks be to God!
