Small human events in God's great plan
Worship
LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS
Series II
Exegetical note: The key idea in this selection is that people behaving righteously in small events of everyday human concerns can become unwitting but crucial agents in God's unfolding salvation history. Ruth's earlier faithfulness to Naomi in adopting God and Israel as her own, and Boaz' graciousness toward Naomi in providing her a next of kin, work together to establish the line of none other than Israel's greatest king, David.
Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 127)
Leader:
Unless God builds the house, the workers labor in vain!
People:
UNLESS GOD WATCHES OVER THE CITY, THE GUARDS PROTECT IT FOR NOUGHT!
Leader:
May our daily actions be for God's glory!
People:
MAY OUR HUMAN CONCERNS WORK FOR SALVATION!
Collect
Good and true God, you have given us many examples in scripture of small human acts that were important parts of your divine plan. Guide us in the little things of everyday life: that, with your divine help, even the seemingly insignificant good that we accomplish may further your work on earth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we admit that much of what we do results from our desire to "play to the crowds" and to win acclaim, and that we therefore undervalue the important role that everyday righteousness can play in your divine plan. Forgive us our delusions of grandeur, O God, and narrow our focus to the smaller scale of daily life. Take our little successes and accomplishments in living your gospel, and make them work for the glory of your coming Reign and the Christ who proclaimed it. In his holy name we pray. Amen
Proper 26
Sunday between October 30 and November 5 inclusive
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20
Theme:
God's word at work
Exegetical note: Verse 13 here depicts Paul's paradoxical view that God's word has worked dynamically in himself in such a way that his words to them have actually amounted to the very word of God. Since he states that the same word is at work in all believers, his implication is that their own words may convey God's word as well.
Call to Worship
Leader:
Sisters and brothers, we are gathered to proclaim the word of God!
People:
WE MEET TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD!
Leader:
The word of God is at work within us!
People:
THE WORD OF GOD IS FLOWING THROUGH US!
Collect
Eternal God, you have implanted your Word, not just in your greatest saints, but in all believers as well. Activate it within us: that, energized by its redemptive power, we may perform works to the benefit of others and the glory of you. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen
Prayer of Confession
God of wondrous love, we confess with shame that we have not tapped the power of your holy Word that you most graciously have instilled in us; that we have relied too much on our own abilities and strengths; and that we have failed to do justice to your holy gospel as a result. Forgive us, we pray, and give us the wisdom to search within ourselves for your divine power, the good fortune to find it, and the good sense to use it in our efforts to convey your saving word. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
Proper 26
Sunday between October 30 and November 5 inclusive
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12
Theme:
Hypocrisy vs. humility
Exegetical note: The words of Jesus related by Matthew here against the behavior of the scribes and Pharisees are timeless, for the hypocrisies that are catalogued reflect a spiritual arrogance and pride that place the authors of the pronouncements "above it all," an attitude symbolized by their love for regalia and titles. It is no accident, therefore, that the passage ends with a commendation of humility.
Call to Worship
Leader:
People of God, let us worship the Most High!
People:
LET US PRAISE THE AUTHOR OF ALL CREATION!
Leader:
Let us lift our hearts and voices in adoration!
People:
MAY OUR THOUGHTS AND WORDS RESOUND TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Collect
Great God, you have warned us against the sin of hypocrisy and the pride that spawns it. Sow humility in our hearts: that, knowing our proper place relative to your majesty, we may be effective agents of your will and compassionate sisters and brothers of our neighbors. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Prayer of Confession
Everloving God, we acknowledge with great sorrow our tendency to enjoy the limelight and the attention that even our work in service of the gospel draws to us; and we admit with shame how much we relish the attention that comes our way, even from our most casual service to the Christ. Forgive us our pride and conceit, O God, and inspire us with the humility exhibited and commanded by Jesus, who, though his origin and destiny were in glory, found godliness in the lowliest of places and people. In his name we pray. Amen
Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 127)
Leader:
Unless God builds the house, the workers labor in vain!
People:
UNLESS GOD WATCHES OVER THE CITY, THE GUARDS PROTECT IT FOR NOUGHT!
Leader:
May our daily actions be for God's glory!
People:
MAY OUR HUMAN CONCERNS WORK FOR SALVATION!
Collect
Good and true God, you have given us many examples in scripture of small human acts that were important parts of your divine plan. Guide us in the little things of everyday life: that, with your divine help, even the seemingly insignificant good that we accomplish may further your work on earth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we admit that much of what we do results from our desire to "play to the crowds" and to win acclaim, and that we therefore undervalue the important role that everyday righteousness can play in your divine plan. Forgive us our delusions of grandeur, O God, and narrow our focus to the smaller scale of daily life. Take our little successes and accomplishments in living your gospel, and make them work for the glory of your coming Reign and the Christ who proclaimed it. In his holy name we pray. Amen
Proper 26
Sunday between October 30 and November 5 inclusive
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20
Theme:
God's word at work
Exegetical note: Verse 13 here depicts Paul's paradoxical view that God's word has worked dynamically in himself in such a way that his words to them have actually amounted to the very word of God. Since he states that the same word is at work in all believers, his implication is that their own words may convey God's word as well.
Call to Worship
Leader:
Sisters and brothers, we are gathered to proclaim the word of God!
People:
WE MEET TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD!
Leader:
The word of God is at work within us!
People:
THE WORD OF GOD IS FLOWING THROUGH US!
Collect
Eternal God, you have implanted your Word, not just in your greatest saints, but in all believers as well. Activate it within us: that, energized by its redemptive power, we may perform works to the benefit of others and the glory of you. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen
Prayer of Confession
God of wondrous love, we confess with shame that we have not tapped the power of your holy Word that you most graciously have instilled in us; that we have relied too much on our own abilities and strengths; and that we have failed to do justice to your holy gospel as a result. Forgive us, we pray, and give us the wisdom to search within ourselves for your divine power, the good fortune to find it, and the good sense to use it in our efforts to convey your saving word. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
Proper 26
Sunday between October 30 and November 5 inclusive
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12
Theme:
Hypocrisy vs. humility
Exegetical note: The words of Jesus related by Matthew here against the behavior of the scribes and Pharisees are timeless, for the hypocrisies that are catalogued reflect a spiritual arrogance and pride that place the authors of the pronouncements "above it all," an attitude symbolized by their love for regalia and titles. It is no accident, therefore, that the passage ends with a commendation of humility.
Call to Worship
Leader:
People of God, let us worship the Most High!
People:
LET US PRAISE THE AUTHOR OF ALL CREATION!
Leader:
Let us lift our hearts and voices in adoration!
People:
MAY OUR THOUGHTS AND WORDS RESOUND TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Collect
Great God, you have warned us against the sin of hypocrisy and the pride that spawns it. Sow humility in our hearts: that, knowing our proper place relative to your majesty, we may be effective agents of your will and compassionate sisters and brothers of our neighbors. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Prayer of Confession
Everloving God, we acknowledge with great sorrow our tendency to enjoy the limelight and the attention that even our work in service of the gospel draws to us; and we admit with shame how much we relish the attention that comes our way, even from our most casual service to the Christ. Forgive us our pride and conceit, O God, and inspire us with the humility exhibited and commanded by Jesus, who, though his origin and destiny were in glory, found godliness in the lowliest of places and people. In his name we pray. Amen
