49A - Sunday 17A — 51A - Sunday 19A
See also my posts from 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023
Psalm 17:1-7
Hear my plea for justice, O LORD, and attend to my cry.
Listen to my prayer, which does not come from deceitful lips.
Let my judgement come from you;
may your eyes see my integrity
Examine my heart, come to me in the night,
test me with fire; you will find no idolatry in me;
my mouth does not speak against the works of your hands.
I have held fast to the command of your lips.
I call upon you, because you will answer me, O God.
Turn your ear to me, and listen to my words.
Reveal the wonder of your lovingkindness, O Deliverer.
by your right hand muzzle those who rise up against us.
OFFERING
Gracious God,
we offer our diverse gifts and our lives,
that, inspired by your Spirit of grace,
we may bring your realm close
to those who hunger for justice and freedom. Amen
A CREATIVE MOMENT – Genesis 32:22-31 and Matthew 14:13-21
If the story of Jacob wrestling at Peniel is to be the theme for today’s worship two simple banners may provide a visual focus: (a) stars on a black or dark blue background and the name “Jacob”, (b) sunrise on a lighter background and the name “Israel”.
The gospel reading might be symbolised by 5 loaves and 2 fish and/or the 12 baskets of leftovers, (however you might like to represent them).
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
(A prayer, usually with connection to one or more of the lections for the day, to gather the spoken and silent concerns/joys/thanks expressed by the congregation and lead into a more structured Intercession. Sometimes this prayer also borrows lightly from other sources e.g. Uniting in Worship 2 or publications of the Iona Community.)
Loving God, healer and bringer of wholeness,
there are days when we wonder
why life is the way it seems to be:
give courage to the weak and the lonely,
bring healing to those weighed down with grief,
rejoice with those who are glad
and be company for those whose troubles are known only to you;
that all may know your peace …
(The Prayers of the People continue)
Looking for contemporary music and song resources?
Try David MacGregor’s Together to Celebrate
HYMN SUGGESTIONS FOR SUNDAY 18A | |
Christ is the heavenly food that gives | TIS 522 |
Father we give you thanks, who planted | TIS 495 |
Jesus the Lord said ‘I am the bread’ | TIS 239 |
Let us break bread together | TIS 511 |
Sing, all creation, sing to God in gladness | TIS 61 |
The great love of God | TIS 164 |
Genesis 32:22-31 | |
God of many names | TIS 180 |
Make me a captive, Lord | TIS 604 |
O Love that wilt not let me go | TIS 602 |
Psalm 17:1-7,15 | |
All praise to thee, my God, this night | TIS 558 |
God himself is present | TIS 121 |
I set the Lord before my eyes | TIS 673 |
Let earth and heaven combine | TIS 305 |
Lord, hear a cause that is just | TIS 6 |
Lord, you are the light of life to me | TIS 26 |
O God of Bethel, by whose hand | TIS 564 |
O sacred head sore Wounded | TIS 339 |
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty | TIS 111 |
Romans 9:1-5 | |
All my hope on God is founded | TIS 560 |
Come, God’s people, sing for joy | TIS 391 |
Jesus comes with all his grace | TIS 219 |
Now we come, our heavenly Father | TIS 462 |
Of the Father’s love begotten | TIS 290 |
Matthew 14:13-21 | |
Break now the bread of life | TIS 429 |
Dear Lord, for all in pain we pray | TIS 612 |
Eternal Father, strong to save | TIS 138 |
Feed us now, Bread of life | TIS 538 |
How lovely is your dwelling place | TIS 44 |
Love divine, all loves excelling | TIS 217 |
Make me a captive, Lord | TIS 604 |
O Jesus Christ, may grateful hymns be rising | TIS 620 |