Liturgy for the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B (Mark)
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Passages for the 26th Sunday after Pentecost
1 Samuel 1:4–20 recounts the story of Hannah, who, despite being deeply distressed over her inability to conceive, goes to the temple and fervently prays for a son. Eli, the priest, initially thinks she is drunk but later blesses her. God answers her prayer, and she gives birth to Samuel, dedicating him to the Lord’s service.
1 Samuel 2:1–10 is Hannah’s song of praise, expressing her joy and gratitude to God for granting her a son. She highlights God’s sovereignty, his ability to lift the humble and bring down the proud, and his ultimate justice, declaring that the Lord is the true judge of the earth. Sounds like Mary’s song!
Hebrews 10:11–14 (15–18) 19–25 emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice compared to the old covenant sacrifices, which could never fully cleanse sin. It asserts that through Jesus’ one offering, believers are made holy and can confidently approach God.
Mark 13:1–8 describes Jesus’ prediction of the temple’s destruction, prompting his disciples to ask when these events will occur. Jesus warns them of false messiahs, wars, and natural disasters, emphasizing that such occurrences are merely the beginning of birth pains.
Overlapping Themes
Prayer and Divine Response: In 1 Samuel 1:4–20 and 1 Samuel 2:1–10, the emphasis is on God’s faithfulness in answering prayer and God’s sovereignty over life circumstances.
Redemption and Community: Hebrews 10:11–14 (15–18) 19–25 continues this theme by illustrating how Christ’s sacrifice fulfills God’s promise of redemption, emphasizing confidence in approaching God and the importance of communal faith.
Vigilance and Trust in God’s Plan: In Mark 13:1–8, the warnings about false prophets and tribulations also point to God’s overarching control over history. Jesus encourages vigilance and faith amid uncertainty, reinforcing the idea that trust in God’s plan is essential.
Preaching Ideas for 1 Samuel and Mark 13:1-8
“Faithful Prayer in Uncertain Times”: Using 1 Samuel 1:4-20; 2:1-10, emphasize how God responds to our deepest needs and encourages believers to bring their struggles before him
“Trusting God Amid Trials”: Encourage congregants to trust in God’s sovereignty during difficult times, using Hannah’s story as a model of unwavering faith.
Call to Worship
One: We come to worship God, who is greater than we imagine!
All: We come to celebrate the Mystery and Reality that is God's everlasting glory.
One: We come to worship God who is the giver of all good things!
All: We come to celebrate God's power, love, and generosity to all creation and all people.
One: We come to worship our God who is welcoming.
All: Yes! We come to celebrate God who leads us to welcome, serve, and include all in this community of faith.
Prayer of Confession
God of the prophets, too often we settle for the way things are. We embrace what is comfortable and shun the work of necessary change. We fail to hope for a new day and a new world because the status quo protects us. Forgive us and disrupt our ease so that we, your Church, may commit to live and work towards a world made just, equitable, and new. (Pause for personal, private prayer)
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 - 2 Corinthians 5
So if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
Prayer of Illumination
Gracious God, as we gather in this sacred space, we ask for your light to guide our hearts and minds. Open our eyes to see your truth and our ears to hear your wisdom. May your Spirit move among us, illuminating the words before us and revealing their meaning in our lives. Help us to embrace the message of hope and transformation that you have for us today. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord, we thank you for the gracious word you place over us. Please extend to others those same gracious words through our offerings and our community ministries. Amen.
