Lectionary Readings — Proper 28 — November 15, 2026
Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30
Call to Worship (based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
Leader: The world around us lives as if tomorrow is guaranteed,
People: but we know the Lord’s return will come when it is least expected.
Leader: We are not people of the night, stumbling in the dark,
People: we are children of the light and children of the day.
Leader: So let us not drift off to sleep in our faith,
People: but stay awake, clear-minded, and ready.
Leader: Put on faith and love to guard your heart,
People: and wear the hope of salvation to guard your mind.
Leader: God has not destined us for wrath,
People: but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us.
All: Lord Jesus, whether we wake or sleep, we belong to you. Keep us watchful in worship and faithful in life, and teach us to build one another up until the day you come. Amen.
Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 123)
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
We lift our eyes to you this morning, to the One enthroned in the heavens. We come the way a servant watches the hand of a master, waiting, attentive, and dependent. We have no claim of our own to bring. We look to you, and we will keep looking, until you show us mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord. Some of us come in weary from a week of carrying more than we could hold. Some have felt the sting of scorn from people who are comfortable and proud and who look down on faith in you. Some are tired of being overlooked, misunderstood, or mocked. You see every bit of it, and you do not turn your eyes from your people.
Lift our eyes from what is around us to the One who is above us. Let our hope rest not in the approval of others but in your mercy, which is new every morning. Give us patience to wait on you and confidence that you will answer. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who was despised and rejected, yet now reigns at your right hand. Amen.
[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]
Sermon Outline: "CHILDREN OF THE DAY"
Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
I. The Sudden Surprise (vv. 1–3)
II. The Settled Status (vv. 4–5)
III. The Sober Soldier (vv. 6–8)
IV. The Sure Salvation (vv. 9–11)
Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers
