Liturgy for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B (Mark)
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A prayer of intercession for this day is found here.
A sermon from Ephesians 1:3-14 is here.
Scriptures for the Day
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 - David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with joyful celebration and dancing. Michal, Saul's daughter, criticizes David for his exuberant worship, but David remains committed to honoring God joyfully.
Amos 7:12-15 - Amos, a prophet, confronts Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, who orders him to leave and prophesy elsewhere. Amos responds by affirming that he was not originally a prophet but was called by God from his work as a shepherd to deliver His message to Israel.
Psalm 24 - This psalm celebrates the Lord's kingship and sovereignty over all creation. It emphasizes the purity and righteousness required to approach God's presence.
Psalm 85:8-13 - The Psalmist reflects on God's forgiveness and restoration, expressing hope in God's salvation and righteousness.
Ephesians 1:3-14 - Paul praises God for blessing believers with every spiritual blessing in Christ. He emphasizes predestination, adoption, redemption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit as marks of God's grace.
Mark 6:14-29 - Herod hears about Jesus and mistakenly identifies him as John the Baptist resurrected. The passage recounts how John the Baptist was imprisoned and subsequently beheaded because of Herod's rash promise to Herodias' daughter.
Themes of the Liturgy
These passages reflect on God’s calling and mission, the blessing and redemption in Christ, and the cost of prophetic truth-telling.
Call to Worship
One: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
All: God has destined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ, to the praise of God's grace, which is bestowed upon us freely!
One: In Jesus, we have redemption and forgiveness according to the riches of his grace lavished on us.
All: Come, let us listen to what the Lord God is saying, for God is speaking peace to us.
One: God's salvation is at hand for those who revere. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
All: Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
One: The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. We praise you now, O God.
Prayer of Confession
All: Gracious God, we confess we have not always lived according to your will. Though you have blessed us with every spiritual blessing, we have often failed to live like it. Though we are your children, we have often walked as if we are alone. Forgive us and meet us with your steadfast love. May your righteousness and peace guide our steps and renew our hearts, so that we may live as your redeemed and beloved children. (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.
All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon - Psalm 86
Today’s assurance of pardon is from Psalm 86:9-10, “Surely his salvation is at hand for those who honor God, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.”
Prayer of Illumination
Gracious God, as we open your Word, we seek your wisdom and understanding. Illuminate our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit. May your truth transform us, guiding us to live faithfully and grow in our love for You and for one another. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord, we dedicate our lives to You. May Your love and faithfulness guide us, and Your grace empower us to serve You faithfully, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.
