Liturgy for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B (Mark)
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Resources
The Sermon using Ephesians 2:11-22 is HERE.
The Prayer of Intercession using themes for the day is HERE.
Scriptures for the Day
2 Samuel 7:1-14a - David desires to build a house for God, but God promises to establish David's dynasty forever, emphasizing His covenantal faithfulness.
Psalm 89:20-37 - The Psalmist recalls God's covenant with David, highlighting God's steadfast love, faithfulness, and the enduring nature of His promises.
Jeremiah 23:1-6 - Jeremiah condemns the leaders of Israel for their failure to care for the people. God promises to raise up a righteous branch from David's line to reign with justice and righteousness.
Psalm 23 - A famous psalm of David, expressing trust in God as a caring shepherd who provides, guides, and protects His people.
Ephesians 2:11-22 - Paul reminds the Ephesians of their former alienation from God and each other, but now, through Christ, Jews, and Gentiles are reconciled as one new humanity, united in peace.
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 - Jesus withdraws with his disciples for rest, but compassionately ministers to the crowds, teaching and healing, demonstrating his authority and care.
Themes
The passages intertwine themes of divine covenant and promise, showing us God’s unwavering faithfulness and commitment. God is also a determined and compassionate shepherd, who guides and safeguards his people with devoted care. To that end, the Great Shepherd has brought Gentiles, sheep from other fields into one fold, the Church to dwell together in peace (Ephesians). Mark 6 reveals his compassionate ministry, illustrating his role to care for the spiritual and physical needs of all.
Call to Worship
One: Come, let us gather in the presence of the Lord, our compassionate Shepherd.
All: He guides us with love and provides for all our needs.
One: Jesus sees us in our struggles and invites us to find rest in him.
All: In his presence, we find healing and wholeness.
One: Though we were once distant and divided, Christ has brought us near and made us one.
All: He is our peace, breaking down barriers and uniting us in his love.
One: Let us come together, seeking his guidance and provision, knowing that the Lord's goodness and mercy follow us.
All: With grateful hearts, we worship the Lord, who restores our souls and leads us in paths of righteousness.
Prayer of Confession
All: Merciful God, we confess that we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed our desires and neglected your guidance. Though you offer rest and restoration, we choose other paths, leading to weariness and strife. Forgive us the times we have lacked compassion and failed to see the needs of others. Forgive us the barriers we have built between ourselves and others, and for the ways we have contributed to division rather than unity. Restore us, O Lord, and lead us in your paths of righteousness. Bread down the walls in our hearts and bring us near to you and one another, Prince of Peace. (personal prayer)
One: Lord may your name be glorified in us and through us. We ask this through Christ Jesus, your only begotten son. It is he who is our Lord and our Savior, our brother and our friend.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon-Isaiah 9:6
Today’s assurance of pardon is declared to us from the prophet Isaiah, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Jesus Christ is your Peace.”
Prayer of Illumination
Lord, as we gather before you, we humbly seek your light to shine upon us. Open our eyes to see the depth of your word and the richness of your truth. Increase our understanding so we grasp and apply your teachings to our lives. May your Spirit guide us into all truth, revealing your love that restores and your grace that unites us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord, we dedicate ourselves to Your service. May Your Spirit guide us, Your love sustain us, and Your will be done through us. Amen.
