Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Order of Worship

Download today's bulletin PDF for the entire order of worship and more. 

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

Everlasting Lord, who laid the foundations of the earth and set the boundaries of the seas with a word, we stand in awe of your sovereign power. In a world of chaos and uncertainty, remind us that you hold all things in your hands. When we feel overwhelmed by the vastness of your creation or the storms of our own lives, grant us trust in your perfect wisdom. We pray for all who are searching for meaning or feeling small in the face of life's mysteries, that they might find rest in the assurance of your care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, source of all truth and life, we lift up to you all those who preach your gospel. Thank you for the word of faith that is near us—in our mouths and in our hearts. Strengthen those who proclaim this word, that they may boldly declare the good news, trusting that your power saves everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. Bless the feet of all who preach, for they are beautiful as they bring glad tidings. May your Holy Spirit work through their proclamation, knowing that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Grant them courage, wisdom, and steadfastness in their holy calling. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, our strength and our deliverer, we lift our voices to you from the depths of our distress. As the psalmist cried out in his temple and you heard his voice, so we humbly ask you to hear us now. We pray for all who are overwhelmed by the torrents of destruction—those facing the fury of unfavorable weather, those suffering under the hand of persecution, and those caught in the cruel violence of war and sin. May your presence be a shield and a fortress for the vulnerable and those in need. Reach down from on high, take hold of them, and draw them out of deep waters and into your loving arms. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate Lord, who walked upon the stormy waves and reached out your hand to save Peter in his moment of fear, we lift up to you all who are homebound, those living in nursing homes, and those battling catastrophic illness. In the isolation of their rooms and the storms of their suffering, may they hear your comforting voice saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." Be their strength when their courage fails and their peace when the winds of life are high. Remind them that you are always near, even in the deepest waters, and that your saving hand is never out of reach. Grant them the assurance of your constant presence and the hope of your healing grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Teaching

Open or download this week's preview of the lessons. We send this to our homebound with a bulletin each week and thought you might like to have a copy as well. You may read it online or print it out. It includes prayers, brief teaching on each of the four lessons for Sunday, an overview, and an additional Word Search based on the Gospel Lesson. 

Vespers

The readings for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: Joshua 24:1–15; Acts 28:23–31; Mark 2:23–28. These readings are also found on page 359 in For All the Saints, volume IV. Note this new page that offers a fuller text of readings that correspond to the Daily Lectionary.