SunDay between 7 AND 13 AuG (Proper 14), year C

2019 - 11 August (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
2022 - 07 August (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
2025 - 10 August (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
2028 - 13 August (10th Sunday after Pentecost)
2031 - 10 August (10th Sunday after Pentecost)
2034 - 13 August (11th Sunday after Pentecost)
2037 - 09 August (11th Sunday after Pentecost)

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Time after Pentecost' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

LITURGY

SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, 
the conviction of things not seen.  (Heb 11:1 NRSV)

OR, use one of the general Sentences in the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Traditional
Almighty and eternal God, 
since you are always more ready to hear 
than we to pray, 
and are eager to give more 
than we either desire or deserve: 
Forgive us those things 
of which our conscience is afraid, 
and give us those things 
which we are not worthy to ask, 
except through the merits of your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Almighty and eternal God, 
you are always more ready to hear 
than we are to pray, 
and you are eager to give more 
than we desire or deserve. 
Forgive us those things 
that make our conscience afraid, 
and give us those things 
that we are not worthy to ask for, 
except through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, alternative
(Let us pray that we may be defended in doubt and difficulty. [silence])
Merciful Father, 
your Son Jesus Christ gave up his life 
so that we might die to self 
and live in him. 
Give us such close fellowship with him 
that in all doubts and dangers 
our faith may not fail. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, new 
(Let us pray that we live by faith. [silence])
God, our protector and guide, 
as we travel on through life, 
teach us to trust in your loving direction, 
knowing that you will bring us 
safely home to you. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

FIRST READING AND PSALM
Note: There are two sets of first readings (with accompanying Psalms) given for the Sundays after Pentecost: (a) a new semi-continuous set, and (b) a set related thematically to the gospels (as in the earlier form of the lectionary). It is intended that either one of these two sets be used throughout and that they not be mixed.

1a
Isaiah 1:1,10-20 God tells his people: Become clean
Psalm 50:1-8,22,23
Antiphon: 
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving (,and pay your vows to the Most High).  (Ps 50:14, NRSV)

OR, 1b
Genesis 15:1-6 Abraham justified by faith in God's promise
Psalm 33:12-22
Antiphon: 
Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord (, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage).  (Psalm 33:12 NRSV)

SECOND READING
Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16 Living by faith in God's promise

ALLELUIA VERSE (Luke 12:32 NRSV)
Alleluia, alleluia.
(Jesus said:) 'Do not be afraid, little flock, 
for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Luke 12:32-40 Be ready for Christ's return
(Begin: 'Jesus said to his disciples: . . .')

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Thank you, Lord Jesus,
for promising us the kingdom of God. 
Help us to be ready and waiting for your return. 
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
Lord God, our true treasure, 
take us and our possessions
and use them for your kingdom. 
Help us to trust in your generous care
for all our needs. 
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. So let us show our faith by coming to our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord, and praying for the needs of the church, the world and our neighbours.

The regular response, OR:
Our Father in heaven,
may your kingdom come.

Suggested intercessions
*	for the church, that it may not act out of fear, but always live in faith, hope and love
*	for charity organisations, that they may channel the wealth of our community to those who are most in need
*	for those who need patience, especially for those who care for a sick or disabled family member
*	for those who are afraid or anxious, that they may put their hope and faith in God
*	for the Jewish people, the descendants of Abraham, that they may believe in the promise God gave to Abraham
*	for those at stages of life when they have particular needs, for infants, teenagers, and the elderly
*	for all Christians, that we may be ready for the return of the Lord

Concluding prayer
Almighty and most merciful God, give us courage to live our lives without fear, but with true faith in you and in your Son Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.

PREFACE
It is indeed right and good, 
Lord God, holy Father, 
that we should at all times and in all places 
give thanks to you, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
(On this day)* 
he overcame death by his resurrection 
and opened up for us 
the way to eternal life with you. 
And so, with angels and archangels, 
and with all the company of heaven, 
we adore and praise your glorious name:

* The words 'on this day' are used only on Sundays.

COMMUNION INVITATION
For a choice of communion invitations, see the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Communion invitation', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
See the service order for a standard post-communion prayer. Alternatively, use the third prayer of the day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Merciful Father, 
your Son Jesus Christ 
offered up his body and blood 
in sacrifice to you 
so that we might die to self 
and live in him. 
Give us such close fellowship with him 
that in all doubts and dangers 
our faith may not fail. 
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Go in peace, and live by faith.
Thanks be to God.  OR  In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS
Please note:	* =	Modernised version available
	G3, G4 . . . =	Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . . 
	GS =	Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading (a): Isaiah 1:1,10-20
LHS
315	Lord, to Thee I make confession* G6
317	Jesus sinners doth receive* G5
335	Just as I am, without one plea G9
850	O Father, my Father GS
AT
6	O Father, my Father
345	Nothing but the blood
TIS
584	Just as I am, without one plea
618	What does the Lord require

First reading (b): Genesis 15:1-6
LHS
321	Faith is a living power from heaven* G5
456	The God of Abraham praise G7
786	In faith and hope and love GS
AT
403	God of Abraham (esp vv 1,2)
TIS	
116	Begin, my tongue, some heavenly theme
125	The God of Abraham praise
139	O love of God, how strong and true
628	In faith and hope and love

Second reading: Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16
LHS
251	Only begotten, Word of God eternal* G6
321	Faith is a living power from heaven* G5
323	Blessed are the sons of God* G4
341	Jesus, lead Thou on* G3
353	Holy father, Thou hast taught me* G5
480	A pilgrim and a stranger* G6
AT
234	Hebrews 11:1
289	Thank you that you hear me (esp v 3)
336	Faith is
TIS
114	Blessed be the everlasting God
462	Now we come, our heavenly Father
565	Author of faith, eternal word

Gospel: Luke 12:32-40
LHS
1	Hark, a herald voice is calling G7
149	Jesus, priceless treasure* G3
200	Thou little flock, be not dismayed
487	Wake, awake, for night is flying (esp v 1) * G6
525	Awake, my soul, and with the sun G9
856	Give me oil in my lamp GS
867	Have no fear, little flock G6
AT
85	Give me oil in my lamp
281	Nothing can separate us
440	Heaven's like a treasure
TIS
264	Hark! A herald voice is calling
266	Wake, awake, for night is flying (esp v 1) 
557	Awake, my soul, and with the sun
695	Fare well. We come to send you on the way

PSALM 50:1-8, 22,23 
For musical settings of Psalm 50:1-6, see Music Package 9. TIS 30, The Mighty One, God the Lord, is a version of Psalm 50:1-6.

A paraphrased version of Psalm 50 from the Iona Community may be found in John L Bell, Psalms of patience, protest and praise on page 27.

The following metrical paraphrase of Psalm 50:1-8,22,23 by David Schütz could be used on this day. It is sung to the tune Morning Light ('Stand up, stand up for Jesus', LH 206, TIS 592). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm. 

The God of gods is speaking,
he summons all the earth;
the Lord demands attention
from early dawn till night.
From Zion, the perfection
of beauty, God shines forth.
Our God does not keep silence,
he comes in glorious might.

The Lord appears before us,
an all-consuming fire;
a mighty wind is raging,
around his throne of light.
He calls for cosmic witness
to earth and to the sky,
that he may judge his people
made holy in his sight.

'Come, gather now before me,
my steadfast, faithful ones,
and make your cov'nant with me
in sacrificial love.'
The heavens tell his glory
and justice to the world.
Come, gather now before him,
for God himself is judge.

Now, Israel, my people,
come listen to my word:
I testify against you,
for I am God, your God.
Your offerings are faultless -
for them, I've naught to say;
your sacrifice is always 
before me every day.

But you who would forget me,
mark this, and listen well,
or else I will destroy you,
and there'll be none to help:
All those who bring thanksgiving
as their off'ring to me,
and those who go the right way,
my salvation shall see.

PSALM 33:12-22
For musical settings of Psalm 33:12-22, see Music Package 9. TIS 21, God alone knows our hearts, is a version of Psalm 33:12a,15-22.

The following paraprhase of Psalm 3312-22 by David Schütz may be sung to the tune 'Lobe den Herren' (LH 442, TIS 111). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm. 

The Lord destroys all the plans and the scheming of nations; 
but what he plans in his heart stands unchallenged forever! 
Happy are they who worship only the Lord. 
He blesses his chosen people.

The Lord looks down from above and he sees all his creatures.
From his high throne he observes all the deeds of his people.
No land is saved by its great armies or strength,
but the Lord guards all who fear him.

The Lord delivers from famine and death all who trust him.
We put our hope in the Lord who protects us and helps us.
Our hearts are glad, we put our trust in his name.
Lord, let your love be upon us.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

ISAIAH 1:1,10-20: The countryside of Judah lay devastated by the Assyrian army, yet the nation seemed to be asking for more retribution from the hand of God. The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah reduces Jerusalem and Judah to a level of moral revulsion. While it was obvious from the detailed list of rituals that people were in fact involved in the temple worship, yet Isaiah proclaims that both offerings and the offerers were rejected. The Lord found them an abomination because of  their moral behaviour and the absence of true social concern for the poor and helpless. In that light, Isaiah's appeal to the nation to return to the Lord in true repentance is most moving. If scarlet sin can be made as white as snow, then there is certain assurance of forgiveness. However, repentant obedience receives grace, while rebellion invites the further retribution of God.

GENESIS 15:1-6: This is the fifth revelation given by God to Abram concerning future blessing to the world through an heir. In view of Abram's and Sarai's advanced age and their trust that the promise would come true, they had tried different strategies to 'make it happen' according to their own understanding. The Lord had borne with these emergent problems but now he provided new courses to support Abram in his faith. He showed Abram the stars with the promise of equally numerous descendants, not just one! With this assurance Abram simply believed in tranquil obedience. We are told that 'God counted (reckoned) it to him as righteousness'. That is an act purely on God's part, ie to count Abram's obedient faith as 'righteousness', not an attainment reached by Abram himself.

HEBREWS 11:1-3; 8-16: Faith deals with things future and invisible. Just as the whole creation came into existence from nothing by the power of the divine word, just so, faith is sure of the fulfilment of God's promises for the future and the reality of things which we cannot see. Abraham is cited as a supreme example for his trust in a future unfolding both physical and spiritual blessings that were absolute impossibilities from a human perspective. God's gift of the heavenly homeland came to those believers of old who maintained their trust, just as it will come to us who live in the assurance of things hoped for with the conviction of things not seen.

LUKE 12:32-40: The Lord here consoles his followers with the thought that though they are a small group in a large and threatening hostile world, they are still his little flock to whom the Father will give the kingdom. Yet their faith will inevitably be tested. Therefore material possessions should be kept in their place and shared when the need presents itself, for heavenly treasure lasts eternally. The return of the Lord also tests believers' faith. Because of its delay, the temptation is to grow spiritually lazy. The obedience of constant readiness goes with a vital and live faith in the reality of the future heavenly life that we cannot as yet see and the fulfilment of the promises for which we hope. The Lord has already saved his servants through his redemption from sin. Let us be eagerly waiting when he knocks. 

VISUAL

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS
Pictures or visual symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the first reading from Isaiah could be illustrated by a picture like that in the TEV Bible for Isaiah 1:15.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

dramatising the READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the first reading from Genesis could be read by three readers: narrator, the Lord, and Abram.

CHILDREN

'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is currently available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

This week's story is 'The call of Abram (Genesis 12 and 15)'. Material for this story may be found in 
Original Edition, Year C, Semester 2, 12 Pentecost
OR
Revised RCL Edition, Year C, Semester 2, Proper 14.