Sunday 25 June, 2023

12th 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.

This Sunday also falls within Refugee Week. (More information at refugeeweek.org.uk.) Though the specific issues and stories relating to refugees and immigration more generally vary from year to year, the basic questions and concern are a constant thread. Refugees and the Bible - readings to explore is one place to begin thinking about the issues in worship. For hymn suggestions and other materials related to these readings, see A wandering Aramean was my ancestor – Refugee Week. A brief overview of what the Bible says about refugees can be found in Wandering people - learning from the Bible.

Genesis 21: 8-21

Deep in the shadows of the past (StF 463)
God, how can we forgive (StF 613)
God is love: let heaven adore him (StF 103)
In the darkness of the still night (StF 109)
Listening God, you hear us when we cannot speak (StF 524)
There are no strangers to God’s love (StF 716)

Psalm 86: 1-10, 16-17

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise (StF 50)
It is God who holds the nations in the hollow of his hand (StF 705)
Longing for light, we wait in darkness (StF 706)
Pray for the Church, afflicted and oppressed (StF 711)

Romans 6: 1b-11

All I once held dear, built my life upon (StF 489)
I know that my Redeemer lives (StF 303)
I heard the voice of Jesus say (StF 248)
Only by grace can we enter (StF 565)
Lord, we have come at your own invitation (StF 595)
When we are living, we are in the Lord (StF 485)

Matthew 10: 24-39

God of my faith, I offer you my doubt (StF 629)
Jesus calls us! O'er the tumult (StF 250)
The desolate Messiah dies (StF 283)
We will walk with God, my brothers (StF 484)
When my love for Christ grows weak (StF 289)
Where can we find you, Lord Jesus our Master? (StF 672)
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? (StF 673)
Your words to me are life and health (StF 164)

Alternative related readings:

Jeremiah 20: 7-13

God has spoken – by his prophets (StF 157)
God’s spirit is in my heart (StF 404)
Lord, I come to you (StF 471)
See how great a flame aspires (StF 412)
The prophets' voice comes down the years (StF 162)
There is no moment of my life (StF 482)

Psalm 69: 7-10 (11-15) 16-18

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

Calm me, Lord, as you calmed the storm (StF 624)
Give me the faith which can remove (StF 661)
Father, hear the prayer we offer (StF 518)
We cannot measure how you heal (StF 655)