Worship Liturgy for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year C (Luke)
Introduction
Today’s readings invite us to experience the healing power of God and the joy that springs from being restored and sent forth. In 2 Kings, Naaman is healed of leprosy, a powerful reminder that God’s grace often comes through unexpected means and simple obedience.
The psalms call us to praise God for deliverance and steadfast love.
Isaiah offers comfort to God’s people, promising nourishment and peace.
Paul’s letter to the Galatians challenges us to bear one another’s burdens and live by the Spirit’s guidance.
Finally, in Luke, Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples, empowering them to proclaim God’s kingdom and rejoice in the Spirit’s presence. These passages call us to embrace God’s healing, join in mission, and celebrate the Spirit’s work among us.
Call to Worship
One: Sing to God, all the earth, sing praises to the glory of God’s name.
All: We rejoice in God who lifts us up from the depths.
One: God turns our mourning into dancing, and clothes us with joy and gladness.
All: Let us worship the God of healing and hope.
One: The Spirit sends us forth with power and peace, to proclaim God’s kingdom near and far.
All: We come with gratitude and willing hearts.
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, you are our healer and strength, our refuge in times of trouble. We thank you for your steadfast love that restores us and makes us whole. As you sent your servants into the world with joy and peace, send us now to share your healing and hope. May your Spirit guide our words and actions, so that we bear good fruit and reflect your grace. Open our hearts to receive your comfort and empower us to live in the joy of your presence. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.
Call to Confession
One: God’s healing grace calls us to honesty and humility. Let us confess the ways we have failed to trust and follow God’s Spirit.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we often seek control rather than surrender. We resist your healing when it requires patience or obedience. We grow weary in doing good and neglect the burdens of others. Forgive us when our hearts are closed to your Spirit’s work. Renew us by your grace, and help us to walk in your paths of peace and love, bearing fruit that lasts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Hear the good news from Galatians 6:9-10: “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all.”
By God’s grace, we are forgiven and strengthened to live as God’s people.
All: Thanks be to God!
Summary of the Day’s Passages
2 Kings 5:1-14 and Psalm 30
Isaiah 66:10-14 and Psalm 66:1-9
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
This week’s scriptures offer a powerful message of healing and mission. Naaman’s healing in 2 Kings shows God’s surprising grace reaching beyond boundaries. The psalms call us to praise for God’s saving power and steadfast love. Isaiah speaks tenderly of God’s nurturing presence and promises peace and comfort to a weary people.
Paul’s words to the Galatians encourage us not to grow tired in doing good, reminding us that bearing one another’s burdens is the way of Christ. In Luke, Jesus commissions seventy-two followers to go ahead, healing the sick and proclaiming peace, rejoicing that even the demons submit in God’s name. These passages call us to trust God’s healing power, join in God’s mission, and live with joy in the Spirit.
