Proper 13
Worship
Lectionary Worship Aids
Series V, Cycle A
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31
Theme: Bless Me?
Call To Worship
Leader: "Bless me?" you ask.
People: Bless us, we say, because we need the assurance that someone is for us.
Leader: "Bless me?"
People: Bless us, we say, for we need to know you notice we are doing the best we can.
Leader: "Bless me?"
People: Bless us, we say, so we might have enough courage to continue the journey.
Collect
Giver of blessing, we acknowledge your importance in our lives. We do not and cannot make it through this life depending entirely upon our own stamina. We are grateful, God, those times we become aware of your presence and your blessing. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Dare we ask for your blessing, God, when we seem left alone in the midst of the struggle? When we win? When we feel that life is defeating us? What qualifies us for your blessing? Surely not our limited perspective. Is your blessing something to earn? Is it an act of your faith in us? Dare we, like Jacob, ask for your blessing, or must we wait until you volunteer it for your own reasons? Amen.
48A Hymns
"Fight The Good Fight" Tune: PENTECOST
"We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" or a duet of "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" (men) alternating with "We Are Dancing Sarah's Circle" (women) Tune: JACOB'S LADDER
"Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing" Tune: SICILIAN MARINERS OR "Go, My Children, With My Blessing" Tune: AR HYD Y NOS
Proper 13
Sunday between July 31 and August 6 inclusive
Second Lesson: Romans 9:1-5
Theme: Discouraged
Call To Worship
Plans do not always go as we would have them. Come, all who are discouraged. Come, all who feel that you have failed. Come, all who are hopeless. Come to this place where you will be loved and accepted as you are. Come to this place of transformation.
Collect
Our prayers go to you, O Listening, Compassionate Parent. We pray for all whom hindrances impede. We pray for all who lack the energy of spirit to persevere. Be with us, sustain us, and lead us back to paths of health. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
When we despair from the difficulties of our entrusted tasks, guide our thoughts toward your blessing, O God. When discouragement overwhelms us, show us again the signs of your promises and the evidence of your having adopted us as your own. Through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
48A Hymns
"Lift Up Your Heads, [O][Ye] Mighty Gates" Tune: TRURO
"Count Your Blessings" Tune: BLESSINGS
"Love Lifted Me" Tune: SAFETY OR "There Is A Balm In Gilead" Tune: BALM IN GILEAD
Proper 13
Sunday between July 31 and August 6 inclusive
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
Theme: Just A Minute
Call To Worship
Learning of the beheading of his friend John the Baptist, Jesus wanted to withdraw and mourn alone. Instead, he fed the multitudes. By this he taught us that compassionate concern for others is stronger than the magnet of needing time for ourselves. We are here today for ourselves so that we might find Christ-like vitality to provide compassionate care when others need us.
Collect
We are here, O God, ready for you to fill us with your love. Even as we pause, we prepare to serve others. We are grateful for this time to refresh the spirit. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
We ask for just a minute to stop and catch the breath. We who carry the responsibilities of being blessed as Christians hear the call to live beyond ourselves. Nourish our spirits, Gracious God, so we might feed those with impoverished spirits. Let us share together the holy meal given by Christ for all. Amen.
48A Hymns
"Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit" Tune: ANNIKA'S DANCE OR "Break [Now][Thou] the Bread of Life" Tune: BREAD OF LIFE
"We Are Not Our Own" Tune: YARNTON
"Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love" Tune: CHEREPONI
Theme: Bless Me?
Call To Worship
Leader: "Bless me?" you ask.
People: Bless us, we say, because we need the assurance that someone is for us.
Leader: "Bless me?"
People: Bless us, we say, for we need to know you notice we are doing the best we can.
Leader: "Bless me?"
People: Bless us, we say, so we might have enough courage to continue the journey.
Collect
Giver of blessing, we acknowledge your importance in our lives. We do not and cannot make it through this life depending entirely upon our own stamina. We are grateful, God, those times we become aware of your presence and your blessing. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Dare we ask for your blessing, God, when we seem left alone in the midst of the struggle? When we win? When we feel that life is defeating us? What qualifies us for your blessing? Surely not our limited perspective. Is your blessing something to earn? Is it an act of your faith in us? Dare we, like Jacob, ask for your blessing, or must we wait until you volunteer it for your own reasons? Amen.
48A Hymns
"Fight The Good Fight" Tune: PENTECOST
"We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" or a duet of "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" (men) alternating with "We Are Dancing Sarah's Circle" (women) Tune: JACOB'S LADDER
"Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing" Tune: SICILIAN MARINERS OR "Go, My Children, With My Blessing" Tune: AR HYD Y NOS
Proper 13
Sunday between July 31 and August 6 inclusive
Second Lesson: Romans 9:1-5
Theme: Discouraged
Call To Worship
Plans do not always go as we would have them. Come, all who are discouraged. Come, all who feel that you have failed. Come, all who are hopeless. Come to this place where you will be loved and accepted as you are. Come to this place of transformation.
Collect
Our prayers go to you, O Listening, Compassionate Parent. We pray for all whom hindrances impede. We pray for all who lack the energy of spirit to persevere. Be with us, sustain us, and lead us back to paths of health. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
When we despair from the difficulties of our entrusted tasks, guide our thoughts toward your blessing, O God. When discouragement overwhelms us, show us again the signs of your promises and the evidence of your having adopted us as your own. Through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
48A Hymns
"Lift Up Your Heads, [O][Ye] Mighty Gates" Tune: TRURO
"Count Your Blessings" Tune: BLESSINGS
"Love Lifted Me" Tune: SAFETY OR "There Is A Balm In Gilead" Tune: BALM IN GILEAD
Proper 13
Sunday between July 31 and August 6 inclusive
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
Theme: Just A Minute
Call To Worship
Learning of the beheading of his friend John the Baptist, Jesus wanted to withdraw and mourn alone. Instead, he fed the multitudes. By this he taught us that compassionate concern for others is stronger than the magnet of needing time for ourselves. We are here today for ourselves so that we might find Christ-like vitality to provide compassionate care when others need us.
Collect
We are here, O God, ready for you to fill us with your love. Even as we pause, we prepare to serve others. We are grateful for this time to refresh the spirit. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
We ask for just a minute to stop and catch the breath. We who carry the responsibilities of being blessed as Christians hear the call to live beyond ourselves. Nourish our spirits, Gracious God, so we might feed those with impoverished spirits. Let us share together the holy meal given by Christ for all. Amen.
48A Hymns
"Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit" Tune: ANNIKA'S DANCE OR "Break [Now][Thou] the Bread of Life" Tune: BREAD OF LIFE
"We Are Not Our Own" Tune: YARNTON
"Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love" Tune: CHEREPONI
