Opening Prayer: Matthew 14:22-33

Here is a possible opening prayer based on Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus comes to the disciples walking on the water.  Feel free to revised it to suit your voice and your needs.


Opening Prayer for Worship
(based on Matthew 14:22-33)

Gracious God,
we gather once again to offer You praise and thanksgiving
for Your unfailing love and faithfulness,
shown most clearly through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Grant us grace to worship You in spirit and in truth.
Through the power of Your Holy Spirit,
open our eyes to recognize You here among us.
Give us courage to step out in faith to meet You,
and confidence to follow where You lead.

For You are our God,
and we are Your people, called by Your name.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. 
Amen.


Matthew 14:22-33 is one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources for this Sunday, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.  

 

For other prayers and prayer resources on this blog, see this Prayer index.

 

 

Offering Prayer: Matthew 14:22-33

Here’s an offering prayer based on Matthew 14:22-33 (where Peter tries to walk on water like Jesus).  Feel free to revise it to suit your needs.

Prayer for the Offering
(based on Matthew 14:22-33)

Gracious God,
You call us to let go of the things we cling to
and step out in faith,
trusting in Your love and provision.

Give us courage to step out boldly,
and sufficient faith to follow without fear.

Take our lives and our gifts.
Use them to accomplish more than we could possibly imagine,
so that, through us, Your kingdom might come
and Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.


Matthew 14:22-33 is one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources for this Sunday, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. 

 

For other prayers and prayer resources on this blog, see this Prayer index.

 

 

Commission & Benediction: Proper 14A

Here is another possible Commission & Benediction based on Romans 10:5-15, one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (Proper 14A). For another option based on this passage, see Benediction: Romans 10:5-15 

Commission & Benediction
(based on Romans 10:5-15)

Brothers and sister,
we are sent by God to share the good news of the gospel,
so that others may discover the peace we have already found—
peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Go in that peace,
to love and serve God and all those you meet.
And may the blessing of God—
Father, Son and Holy Spirit—
be among you and remain with you always.


Romans 10:5-15 is one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources for this Sunday, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. 

For other benedictions, click on Benedictions in the list of “Labels” at the right, or see this Benediction index. 


Benediction: Romans 10:5-15

Here is a possible Commission & Benediction for August 7, 2011.  It’s based on Romans 10:5-15, one of the suggested scripture texts for that day (Proper 14A). For another option based on this passage, see Commission & Benediction: Proper 14A.

Commission & Benediction
(based on Romans 10:5-15)

How beautiful are the feet of those
who bring good news—
the good news of God’s victory,
of peace and forgiveness available to all who believe!

Go from here to share that good news with all you meet.
And may the blessing of God,
the love of Jesus Christ,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit
be among you and within you.
Amen.

Romans 10:5-15 is one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources for this Sunday, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.  

 

For other benedictions, click on Benedictions in the list of “Labels” at the right, or see this Benediction index. 

 

 

Prayer of Confession: Matthew 14:22-33


Here is a possible Prayer of Confession for August 7, 2011, based on Matthew 14:22-33 (where Peter attempts to walk on water like Jesus).  Feel free to shape it to suit your context.


Prayer of Confession
(based on Matthew 14:22-33)

God, You call us to step out in faith,
to place our lives in Your hands,
and to wholeheartedly commit to following You.

We confess that we find this difficult to do.
It is not always easy to follow where You lead—
to turn away from our own personal wants and desires,
to let go of our safety nets
and trust that You will provide for us in all things.

Forgive us when we doubt You, God.

Increase our faith.

Open our eyes to see past our own interests and concerns,
to Your broader vision for us and for our world.

In Jesus’ name we pray. 
Amen.


Matthew 14:22-33 is one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources for this Sunday, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. 

 

For other resources related to confession, click on Confession or words of assurance in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or see this Confession & Assurance index. 

 

 

Commission & Benediction: Matthew 14:22-33

Here are some parting words for worship on August 7, 2011 (Proper 14A), based on Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus invites Peter to join him walking on water.

Commission & Benediction
(based on Matthew 14:22-33)

God calls us to step out in faith,
to follow where He leads
even if what He calls us to do seems impossible.

So let’s go from here with courage,
trusting in God’s presence and power,
and eager to do God’s will.

And may the blessing of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
be among you and within you
wherever you find yourself this week.


Matthew 14:22-33 is one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources for this Sunday, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. 

 

For other benedictions, click on Benedictions in the list of “Labels” at the right, or see this Benediction index. 



Words of Assurance: Romans 10: 9-11

Here are some Words of Assurance (to follow Confession) based on Romans 10:9-11.   

Words of Assurance following Confession
(Romans 10:9-11, from The Voice translation)

Brothers and sisters,
If you believe deep in your heart
that God raised Jesus from the pit of death,
and if you voice your allegiance by confessing the truth
that “Jesus is Lord,”
then you will be saved!

Belief begins in the heart
and leads to a life that’s right with God;
confession departs from our lips
and brings eternal salvation.
Because what Isaiah said was true:
“The one who trust in Him will not be disgraced.”

So be at peace.
God has heard your confession,
and your sins are forgiven.

 

Litany: Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22

Here is a litany setting of Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (Proper 14A). It could be used in conjunction with the reading of another of the scripture texts for that Sunday: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, where Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers.

Litany
(Psalm 105:1-5, 16-22)

All:       Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness!
            Let the whole world know what he has done.
            Sing praise to him!
            Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
            Praise God’s holy name!
            Let all who seek the Lord rejoice.

One:     Search for the Lord and for his strength;
            look for signs of His presence at all times.

Two:     Remember the wonderful things he has done—
            all his marvelous work, and the justice he has demonstrated,
            all you children of Abraham, his servant,
            and the children of Jacob, his chosen people.

One:     God called for a famine on the land of Canaan,
            cutting off its food supply.
            But he sent a man to Egypt ahead of them—
            Joseph, who was sold as a slave.

Two:     They put an iron collar around his neck,
            and chains on his ankles.
            He was tested by God’s command,
            but, in time, God’s promise was fulfilled.

One:     The Pharaoh sent for Joseph and set him free;
            the ruler of the nation himself opened the prison door.

Two:     Joseph was put in charge of the King’s entire household.
            He became ruler over everything the King owned.
            He could instruct the King’s aides as he pleased
            and train the King’s advisers.

All:       Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness!
            Let the whole world know what he has done.
            Sing praise to him!
            Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
            Praise God’s holy name!
            Let all who seek the Lord rejoice.


For more worship resources related to this text, or other texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost), click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. 

 

For other readers’ theatre settings of scripture, click on Readers’ theatre in the list of “Labels” at the right.

 

 

Words of Assurance: Romans 10:5-15

Here are some Words of Assurance (to follow a time of confession) based on Romans 10:5-15, one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (Proper 14A).  For another option, also see Words of Assurance: Proper 14A.

Words of Assurance following Confession
(Romans 10:9-11)

Hear the good news!

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God,
and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

So be at peace.
Your sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!

Romans 10:5-15 is one of the suggested scripture texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources for this Sunday, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.  

 

For other resources related to confession, click on Confession or words of assurance in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or see this Confession & Assurance index. 

 

 

Prayer of Confession & Commitment: August 7, 2011

Here is a prayer of confession and commitment for Proper 14A (August 7, 2011), based on three of the suggested lectionary texts for that Sunday: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (where Jospeh is sold into slavery by his own brothers); Matthew 14:22-33 (where Peter attempts to follow Jesus’ example by walking on water); and I Kings 19:9-18 (where the prophet Elijah finds himself fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel).

Confession & Commitment
(based on Gen. 37:1-28; Matt. 14:22-33; I Kings 19:9-18)

God,
we confess that we do not always understand Your ways.
We are easily discouraged when life takes unexpected turns
and our carefully laid plans and dreams come to nothing.
We confess that we are quick to give up when things get difficult,
and quick to question Your presence and Your power.

Forgive us.
Grant us patience to wait for Your good timing.
Open our eyes to recognize Your leading in our lives—
to listen for Your gentle whisper when we least expect it.
And then give us courage to step out in faith and obedience,
trusting in Your leading even when we cannot yet see the outcome.

We praise You for Your faithful love,
and pray that You would make us worthy to bear Your name.
Amen.


The texts listed above are three of the suggested scriptures for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources related to these texts, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.  

 

For more resources related to confession, click on Confession or words of assurance in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or see this Confession & Assurance index.  For other prayers and prayer resources on this blog, see this Prayer index. 

 

 

Hymns and Songs: Proper 14A

If you are working with the lectionary texts for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost), here are a few traditional and contemporary hymn suggestions. 

Instead of grouping them by scripture reference, I’ve focused on some of the primary themes running through the texts.

Words (and often music) for the songs marked with an asterisk (*) can be found on Hope Publishing’s Online Hymnody website.  (Just search for the title of the hymn.)


Salvation in Christ
(Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15)

A Servant of the Least, L.W. Terley
Amazing Grace, John Newton/John Rees
And Can It Be, Charles Wesley
Come Christians, Join to Sing, Christian Bateman CCLI 83253
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Robert Robinson
Come with All Joy, Christopher Idle CCLI 647929
Grace Greater Than Our Sin, Julia Johnston 
I Know Whom I Have Believed, Daniel Whittle  Redeemed, Fanny J. Crosby
Surely It Is God Who Saves Me*, Carl P. Daw
Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Haldor Lillenas


Have faith in God, even when things are going wrong
(Gen. 37, Psalm 105, Matt. 14:22-33, Rom. 10:5-15, I Kings 19:9-18)

All Through the Day, Tom Howard
By Gracious Powers, Dietrich Bonhoeffer/Fred Pratt Green
Children of the Heavenly Father, Caroline Sandell Berg 
Day by Day, Carolina Sandell Berg
He Leadeth Me, Joseph Gilmore 
How Firm a Foundation, John Rippon’s Selection of Hymns 1787  
I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus, Frances R. Havergal
If You Will Only Let God Guide You, Georg Neumark, tr. Winkworth 
Lord Jesus, When My Courage Fails*, Shirley Erena Murray
Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, Samuel Trevor Francis 
Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Thomas A. Dorsey
Safe in the Shadow of the Lord*, Timothy Dudley Smith
Standing on the Promises, R. Kelso Carter
The Solid Rock (My Hope is Built), Edward Mote 
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, Louisa M.R. Stead
We Walk by Faith, Henry Alford


Proclaiming the good news
(Romans 10:5-15, Psalm 105)

God Himself Is With Us, Gerhardt Tersteegen
God Our Author and Creator*, Carl P. Daw, Jr.
Here I Am Lord, Daniel L. Schutte
I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me, Traditional spiritual
Let Your Heart Be Broken,  Bryan Jeffery Leech
Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing, L’Arche Hymn (anonymous)
Lord Speak to Me That I May Speak, Frances R. Havergal
May the Mind of Christ My Saviour, Katie Wilkinson
O Master Let Me Walk with Thee, Washington Gladden
Take My Life and Let It Be, Frances Ridley Havergal
You Are the Vine, Danny Daniels


Listening for the gentle voice of God
(Matthew 14:22-33, I Kings 19:9-18)

Be Still and Know that I am God, anonymous
Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord, David Evans CCLI 120824
I Lift My Eyes to the Quiet Hills*, Timothy Dudley-Smith
Open Our Eyes, Lord, Robert Cull
While We Are Waiting, Come, Claire Cloninger


For other worship resources for August 7, 2011, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.


Litany: Do not be afraid

Litany of Reassurance
(based on the Matthew 14:22-33; Genesis 37:1-28; I Kings 19:9-18; Isaiah 43:1-3a)

When the wind is strong and the waves are high,
remember the words of Jesus:
Take heart, it is I.  Do not be afraid.

When our dreams come to nothing,
and we wonder what lies ahead,
remember the words of Jesus:
Take heart, it is I.  Do not be afraid.

When those we love disappoint us,
or hurt us deeply,
remember the words of Jesus:
Take heart, it is I.  Do not be afraid.

When we begin to question God’s call,
or doubt God’s love,
remember the words of Jesus:
Take heart, it is I.  Do not be afraid.

When we’ve lost all hope,
and don’t know where to turn,
remember the words of Jesus:
Take heart, it is I.  Do not be afraid.

When our faith is stretched to the breaking point,
remember the words of Jesus:
Take heart, it is I.  Do not be afraid,
for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name; you are Mine.

When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.

When you pass through rivers of difficulty,
you will not be overwhelmed.

When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
and the flame will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.


This litany is based on the suggested texts for Sunday, August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost), plus one other.  Genesis 37:1-28 tells the story of when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt.  I Kings 19 tells of the prophet Elijah’s escape from Queen Jezebel, and his encounter with God at Mount Horeb. Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story of Peter’s attempt to walk on water with Jesus.  The recurring refrain in this litany comes from Jesus’ reassuring words to the disciples when they first see him coming toward them on the water.  The passage at the close of the litany is from Isaiah 43:1-3a.

If you are looking for a song response to follow this reading, you might consider David Haas’s beautiful You Are Mine. (See the lyrics here.) 

For other worship resources for August 7, 2011, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.