Lectionary Readings — Proper 17 — August 30, 2026
Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45b; ; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
Call to Worship (based on Romans 12:9-21)
Leader: Let love be genuine, with no mask and no pretending;
People: let us hate what is evil and hold fast to what is good.
Leader: Love one another with deep affection;
People: and outdo one another in showing honor.
Leader: Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction;
People: be constant in prayer and generous to those in need.
Leader: Rejoice with those who rejoice;
People: and weep with those who weep.
Leader: Bless those who persecute you, and do not curse them;
People: and never repay anyone evil for evil.
Leader: So far as it depends on you, live at peace with all;
People: and leave all vengeance in the hands of God.
Leader: Come, let us worship the God whose mercy made us his own;
People: and let us not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Amen.
Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 105:1–6, 23–26, 45b)
Let us pray:
O Lord, we give you thanks this morning; we call upon your name; we long to make known among the peoples the things you have done. We sing to you; we sing your praises; we tell of all your wonderful works. We glory in your holy name, and the hearts of all who seek you rejoice.
We come remembering. We remember the wonderful works you have done, the wonders and the deliverances and the promises kept across long generations. You have never once forgotten your covenant. When your people were strangers in a foreign land, sojourners far from home, you were with them. When they were few and vulnerable, you made them fruitful. And in the fullness of your timing you sent Moses your servant, and Aaron whom you had chosen, and you brought your people out with a mighty hand.
We confess that we forget so quickly. We treat each new trouble as though you had never delivered us before, as though your long record of faithfulness counted for nothing. Forgive our short memories, and make us a people who remember—who tell our children, and our children’s children, what you have done.
You are the same God still. The hand that led Israel out of Egypt is the hand that holds us now. So we seek you and your strength; we seek your presence continually. Lead us, provide for us, and keep us faithful to your ways, that we might walk in your statutes and keep your laws. And let the last word on our lips this morning be the word your psalm gives us: Praise the Lord. Amen.
[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]
Sermon Outline: "LOVE WITHOUT A MASK"
Based on Romans 12:9-21
I. Love for the Family (vv. 9–13)
II. Love for the Fragile (vv. 14–16)
III. Love for the Foe (vv. 17–21)
Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers
