Sunday 2 August, 2020

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings are laid out as for the continuous form of the lectionary. Alternative related readings (OT and psalm only) are below. Hymns marked with an asterisk (*) are suggested for more than one reading.

A beautiful hymn from the Iona Community that has touched a chord with many during these times is "We will meet" by Hans-Olav Moerk and John Bell. A video (to listen) and PDF of the music are available on the Iona Community home page (scroll down), together with Hans-Olav's account of the writing of the original words. Special copyright arrangements for the current circumstances are explained there too.

Genesis 32: 22-31

Come, O thou Traveller unknown (StF 461)
I’ve had questions without answers (StF 632)
My God! I know, I feel thee mine (StF 390)
O love that wilt not let me go  (StF 636)
We turn to God when we are sorely pressed (StF 640)
*When we are tested and wrestle alone (StF 240)

Psalm 17: 1-7, 15

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

God who knows our darkest moments (website only)
Merciful Lord, in your loving kindness hear our prayer (StF 761)
Son of God, if your free grace (StF 336)
There is no moment of my life (StF 482)

Romans 9: 1-5

All my hope on God is founded (StF 455)
Father God, I wonder how I managed to exist (StF 72)
‘Forgive our sins as we forgive’ (StF 423)
Jesus, you ask that we forgive (website only)
God, how can we forgive when bonds of love are torn? (StF 613)
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy (StF 416)
You call us to the wilderness (website only)

Matthew 14: 13-21

Come, let us sing of a wonderful love (StF 443)
Eat this bread, drink this cup (StF 583)
*Faithful One, so unchanging (StF 628)
Jesus the Lord said: 'I am the Bread' (StF 252)
Longing for light, we wait in darkness (StF 706)
The kingdom of God is justice and joy (StF 255)

Alternative related readings:

Isaiah 55: 1-5

As the deer pants for the water (StF 544)
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart (StF 545)
Bread of Life, Truth Eternal (StF 578)
Come, sinners, to the gospel feast (StF 401)
*Faithful One, so unchanging (StF 628)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases (StF 66)
Praise the Lord for His Creation (website only)
*When we are tested and wrestle alone (StF 240)

Psalm 145: 8-9, 14-21

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

All creatures of our God and King (StF 99)
God is love: let heaven adore him (StF 103)
I sing the almighty power of God (StF 107)
Sing to the great Jehovah’s praise (StF127)