Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Color: Green
Scripture Readings:  Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Psalm 45:10-17; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Theme Ideas 

Emerging from each of these vivid texts is the power of discovery. The faithful servant stumbles across Providence's plan as he helps Isaac and Rebekah discover one another (Genesis 24). Yahweh's works exist to "make known to all people" the splendor of God's kingdom (Psalm 145:12). The Apostle discovers that regardless of intention, evil is never far away (Romans 7:21). Finally, Our Lord Jesus invites us to discover a secret—what has been hidden from the wise intelligentsia is given to those who would come to him (Matthew 11:25b, 28).

Invitation and Gathering

Call to Worship (Matthew 11)

"Come to me," Jesus invites.
We come to you.
"Come to me, if you are tired."
We come to you.
"Come to me, if you carry burdens."
We come to you.
"Come, and discover rest for your souls."

Opening Prayer (Genesis 24, Romans 7)

Like an oasis in the desert,
worship satisfies our sin-besieged souls.
Today, help us find the good in this life
by delighting in your presence,
and help us find the hope
you have placed in our innermost selves. Amen.

Proclamation and Response

Unison Prayer (Psalm 45)

In the adventure of life,
we have found you.
By your powerful grace,
you have found us.
As we proclaim your mighty deeds,
we celebrate your justice. Amen.

Passing the Peace of Christ (Romans 7, Matthew 11)

In the midst of sin, may you find peace.
Peace and forgiveness.
Fatigued by life's pain, may you find peace.
Peace and comfort.
Burdened by the law of do and do not,
may you find peace.
Peace and joy.
The peace of Christ Jesus be unto us all.

Invitation to the Word/Sermon (Genesis 24)

Almighty God,
prepare us to discover your word for us today.
Help us hear your servant,
and in the spoken words, hear your Word.
May these words help us recognize our master
in the many fields of life
through which we travel. Amen.

Prayers of the People (Psalm 45, Romans 7, Matthew 11)

Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
for the privilege of prayer.
Let us find our voice as we lift up our prayers:
Lift up your prayers for those who are burdened
by cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer's, and depression.
(Pause for silence.)
Lift up your prayers for those who are afflicted
with poverty, war, injustice, and the pain of loss.
(Pause for silence.)
Lift up your prayers for those who labor
to tell the gospel in all the world.
(Pause for silence.)
Lift up your prayers for those who carry the burden
of leadership in this church.
(Pause for silence.)
Lift up your prayers for the women, men,
and children in your lives.
(Pause for silence.)
Lift up your prayers for the deepest desires
of your hearts.
(Pause for silence.)
Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who hears our prayers. Amen.

Thanksgiving and Communion

Offering Prayer (Genesis 24)

May the love of Isaac for Rebekah;
may the love of Rebekah for Isaac,
be present in our offerings this day—
offerings of our lives and possessions freely given.
May we be found faithful
with the many gifts you have given us. Amen.

Sending Forth

Benediction (Psalm 4, Matthew 11)

As a gentle father,
God has opened his hand
and blessed us with his touch.
God has wiped away our tears
and healed our every hurt.
Let us leave this place now
satisfied in his embrace.

Contemporary Options

Contemporary Gathering Words (Matthew 11)

Open your mind, and let God teach you something new—
about the holy one, and about you.
Open your heart, and feel the thrill of God's words—
whispering to you.
Open your soul and experience spiritual rest—
a gift to you.

Praise Sentences (Psalm 45, Romans 7, Matthew 11)

Give thanks to God; alleluia!
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; alleluia!
For he has revealed himself to us; alleluia!

From The Abingdon Worship Annual, edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © 2007 Abingdon Press.