Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year C, Luke)
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13); Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
Call to Worship
One: Come, all who long to encounter the living God!
All: We gather in awe, as Isaiah did, before God’s holiness and glory.
One: The Spirit calls us, as Christ called the disciples, to leave our nets and follow him.
All: With grateful hearts, we come to worship, to hear God’s word, and to answer the call.
One: The God of steadfast love and faithfulness invites us into deeper trust and bold obedience.
All: Let us worship the Lord, who is worthy of all praise!
Prayer of Confession
Holy and gracious God, we stand in your presence, aware of our unworthiness and need for your mercy. We confess that, like Isaiah, we have unclean lips, and like Simon Peter, we are hesitant to follow your call. We cling to fear and doubt instead of stepping out in faith. Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse us with your refining fire and renew us with your Spirit, so we may boldly proclaim your word and serve your kingdom. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Hear the good news: In Christ, we are made new! God’s grace is sufficient, and God’s love is steadfast.
All: In Christ’s death and resurrection, we are forgiven, cleansed, and set free. Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Holy Spirit, as we open your word today, open our hearts to hear your voice. Let the vision of Isaiah, the bold faith of Simon Peter, and the steadfast love of Christ inspire us to deeper trust and obedience. May your truth take root in our lives and bear fruit for your glory. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of glory, we give thanks for your steadfast love and faithfulness. We pray for your church, that we may respond to your call with courage. Guide us to share your gospel with humility and joy.
We lift up the world in its brokenness, praying for peace where there is conflict, justice where there is oppression, and hope where there is despair. Grant wisdom to leaders and compassion to all people.
We pray for those who are sick, grieving, or in need. Surround them with your healing presence and comfort. Strengthen us to be your hands and feet in serving those around us.
Finally, Lord, we ask that you send us out as fishers of people, ready to proclaim your love and live for your glory. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, all that we have comes from you. We dedicate these gifts to your service, asking that they would bless others and further your kingdom. Use our offerings, our talents, and our lives to bring your light into the world. Amen.
Bible Passages for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year C)
Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13): The Call of Isaiah
Isaiah is given a vision of God’s holiness, with seraphs crying out, “Holy, holy, holy.” Overwhelmed by his sinfulness, Isaiah is cleansed with a coal from the altar and responds to God’s call with the words, “Here am I; send me.” This passage reminds us of God’s holiness and our call to service, even in challenging times.
Psalm 138: A Psalm of Thanksgiving
This psalm expresses gratitude for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. It declares God’s greatness, noting that even kings will praise the Lord. The psalmist’s trust in God’s enduring care inspires us to give thanks and trust in God’s purposes.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Paul’s Testimony of the Resurrection
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Paul humbly recounts his encounter with the risen Christ, emphasizing that God’s grace transformed him and continues to work through him. This passage celebrates the power of the resurrection and God’s grace in our lives.
Luke 5:1-11: The Calling of the First Disciples
Read the verse-by-verse breakdown here.
After teaching from Simon Peter’s boat, Jesus performs a miraculous catch of fish, revealing his divine power. Peter, overwhelmed, declares his unworthiness, but Jesus calls him and others to follow him and become fishers of people. This story invites us to trust Jesus and step into our calling, even when it feels daunting.
Themes for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
The Holiness of God
Isaiah’s vision in the temple highlights God’s majesty and holiness, inviting us to reflect on our reverence for God and our response to his call.
Trust and Obedience
Luke’s account of the miraculous catch of fish challenges us to trust Jesus, even when circumstances seem impossible. Obedience leads to abundance and purpose.
Other passages involve a catch of fish or fish post-resurrection.
Grace and Transformation
Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 15 reminds us that God’s grace can transform even the least likely of us into instruments of his kingdom.
