53A - Sunday 21A — 55A - Sunday 23A
See also my post from 2017, 2020, 2023
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD (Psalm 105:1-5)
Give thanks to the LORD; call on the name of the LORD.
tell the world what God has done.
Sing to the LORD, and sing praises;
and tell of God’s wonderful works
Glory in God’s holy name
let those who seek the LORD rejoice to the core of their being.
Seek the LORD, and the strength of the LORD;
seek God’s presence continually.
Remember the wonderful works,
the miracles and the judgements of the LORD
Holy is your name, O LORD.
Psalm 105:23-26
Then Israel came to Egypt;
Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham.
And the LORD made his people very fruitful,
and made them stronger than their foes,
whose hearts he then turned to hate his people,
to deal craftily with his servants.
He sent his servant Moses,
and Aaron whom he had chosen.
strong>A CREATIVE MOMENT – Exodus 3:1-15 and Matthew 16:21-28
The burning bush which confronted Moses could be represented in a variety of ways, including enveloping a small potted bush in red cellophane and backlighting it with some small light. A pair of sandals strewn near the burning bush would also be appropriate.
For the gospel reading, re-use the rock from last week. A large heavy wooden cross could lie on the floor close by. Alternatively, or in addition, have prepared sufficient small crosses on or near the rock and at an appropriate invite point in worship invite the congregation to come and “take up your cross” and carry it with 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,
who rejoices with those who rejoice
who weeps with those who weep
who is present amid the confusion and strife of the world;
speak your healing Word of love
to those whose troubles are known only to you;
and by your encouraging Spirit
sustain those whom we name on our lips
and in the silence of our hearts
Hear our prayer, in Jesus’ name…
(The Prayers of the People continue)
Looking for contemporary music and song resources?
Try David MacGregor’s Together to Celebrate
| HYMN SUGGESTIONS FOR SUNDAY 22A | |
| All creatures of our God and King, | TIS 100 |
| God is the refuge of his saints, | TIS 120 |
| Let him to whom we know belong | TIS 563 |
| Take up your cross the Saviour said | TIS 583 |
| Exodus 3:1-15 | |
| Come to be our hope, O Jesus | TIS 688 |
| Faith will not grow from words alone | TIS 691 |
| God of freedom, God of justice | TIS 657 |
| I, the Lord of sea and sky | TIS 658 |
| Jesus, where’er your people meet | TIS 445 |
| Take, take off your shoes | TIS 651 |
| The God of Abraham praise | TIS 125 |
| Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45c | |
| Blessed are those whose way is blameless | TIS 75 |
| O give thanks to God [Sing to God, sing…] | TIS 66 |
| Romans 12:9-21 | |
| Come, Spirit of God, holy Lord | TIS 399 |
| Father, Lord of all creation | TIS 631 |
| Fold to your heart your sister and your | TIS 587 |
| Forgive our sins, as we forgive | TIS 635 |
| Forth in your name, O Lord, I go | TIS 571 |
| Help us accept each other | TIS 648 |
| Lord of earth and all creation | TIS 672 |
| Love is his word, love is his way | TIS 534 |
| Make me a channel of your peace | TIS 607 |
| Matthew 16:21-28 | |
| Brother, sister, let me serve you | TIS 650 |
| Christ is made the sure foundation | TIS 432 |
| Glory be to Jesus | TIS 344 |
| I need you, Lord, for I have seen | TIS 625 |
| I set the Lord before my eyes | TIS 673 |
| O Jesus, I have promised | TIS 595 |
| Take up your cross, the Saviour said | TIS 583 |