Liturgy for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year 2 (Mark)
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Scriptures for the Day
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 This passage describes the tragic aftermath of Absalom's rebellion against his father David. In a fierce battle in the forest of Ephraim, Absalom's forces are defeated by David's army. Absalom, riding his mule, becomes ensnared by his long hair in the branches of a tree. Joab, David's commander, discovers him and despite David's order to spare Absalom, Joab kills him. News of Absalom's death reaches David, who grieves deeply, lamenting the loss of his son despite Absalom's betrayal and rebellion against him. The passage reflects themes of family conflict, tragic consequences, and the complexities of love and loss.
1 Kings 19:4-8: This passage depicts Elijah fleeing from Queen Jezebel's threats into the wilderness. Exhausted and despondent, Elijah prays for death, feeling alone in his prophetic mission. An angel provides him with food and water, strengthening him for a journey to Mount Horeb. This passage underscores themes of despair, divine sustenance, and the perseverance of faith amidst adversity.
Psalm 130: Known as a song of ascent, Psalm 130 expresses deep penitence and hope in God's forgiveness. The psalmist cries out from the depths, acknowledging human sinfulness but trusting in God's mercy. They await God's redemption, urging Israel to hope and trust in the Lord's steadfast love and abundant redemption.
Psalm 34:1-8: In this psalm, David praises God for deliverance from a dire situation. He encourages others to join him in extolling the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. David recounts his personal experiences of seeking God, finding deliverance, and receiving divine protection. The psalm emphasizes trust in God, who hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from their fears.
Ephesians 4:25-5:2: This passage instructs believers in Ephesus to live according to the new life they have in Christ. Paul exhorts them to put away falsehood and speak truthfully, to manage anger without sin, and to work honestly. He emphasizes kindness, forgiveness, and imitating God in love. Believers are urged to walk in love as Christ loved them, offering himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
John 6:35, 41-51: Jesus declares himself the Bread of Life, promising eternal satisfaction to those who come to him. The Jews grumble about Jesus claiming to have come down from heaven. Jesus responds, explaining that he is the bread of life, the living bread that came down from heaven. He invites all who believe in him to partake of this bread, which is his flesh given for the life of the world. This passage emphasizes Jesus' divinity, his role in providing spiritual nourishment, and the necessity of faith in him for eternal life.
Themes
Adversity and Divine Sustenance: In 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, David faces the consequences of familial conflict and rebellion, mourning deeply for his son Absalom amidst the complexities of love and loss. Similarly, in 1 Kings 19:4-8, Elijah wrestles with despair but finds sustenance through God's provision in the wilderness, illustrating divine intervention in times of personal struggle and the sustaining power of faith.
Repentance and Hope: Psalm 130 expresses themes of repentance and hope, as the psalmist cries out for mercy and trusts in God's forgiveness and steadfast love. This resonates with David's plea for restoration in Psalm 51, emphasizing the assurance of God's mercy and the path to reconciliation.
Unity and Love: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 calls believers to live in unity, truthfulness, and love, echoing themes of moral living and community harmony. This contrasts with the familial discord in 2 Samuel 18, highlighting the importance of spiritual unity and reconciliation among God's people.
Divine Provision and Spiritual Sustenance: John 6:35, 41-51 portrays Jesus as the Bread of Life, offering eternal life and spiritual nourishment to believers. This theme underscores God's continuous care and provision, illustrating the spiritual sustenance found in Christ.
These passages intertwine themes of human frailty, divine grace, and the universal need for God's mercy, provision, unity among believers, and spiritual sustenance found in Christ alone.
Call to Worship
One: Come, let us gather in the presence of our God, who sustains us through every trial and triumph.
All: We come with grateful hearts, ready to receive God’s provision and grace.
One: In the complexities of our lives, God offers us wisdom, mercy, and forgiveness.
All: Let us lift our voices in unity and love with hearts united.
One: Yes! With peace and harmony, we worship the Lord who binds us together as one. Let’s celebrate the God who is wonderful and glorious.
Prayer of Confession
All: Loving God, we confess our moments of despair and doubt, when we turn away from your sustaining grace. Forgive our divisions and lack of love. Restore us in times of conflict and confusion. May we find unity in your mercy and strength in your forgiveness. Lead us to embrace your provision and to seek nourishment in your presence alone. Amen. (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- Psalm 103:8
Today’s assurance of pardon is declared to us from Psalm 103, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Friends, this is the good news!
Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Holy Spirit, illuminate the truth so we can see it. Open our minds to understand the mercy and grace that is ours. Guide us in unity and love, as we seek the Lord’s provision. We need spiritual nourishment, so help us Lord. May your Word find a home in our heart. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord, with grateful hearts, we dedicate ourselves to living out Your truth. We dedicate these offerings to your work. May your renown grow in our cities and towns. Amen.
