Sunday 30 July, 2023

17th 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.

General

Best of all is God is with us (StF 610)
Heal us, Immanuel! Hear our prayer (StF 650)
The love of God comes close where stands an open door (StF 654)

Genesis 29: 15-28++

I will speak out for those who have no voices (StF 702)
Let love be real, in giving and receiving (StF 615)
Spirit who broods, Spirit who sings (StF 396)
Worship God with the morning sunrise (StF 68)

++ These hymn choices made bearing in mind the sequel to this story, to be found in Genesis 29: 29-35

Psalm 105: 1-11, 45b
or Psalm 128

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

O God, our help in ages past (StF 132)
Praise to the living God! (StF 87)
Sing to the great Jehovah's praise (StF 127)
We trust the mighty love of God (StF 742)

Romans 8: 26-39

All for Jesus - all for Jesus (StF 341)
Have faith in God, my heart (StF 466)
Neither death, nor life, nor angels nor powers (StF 474)
O for a heart to praise my God (StF 507)
Through the love of God our Saviour (StF 639)
What kind of love is this that gave itself for me? (StF 286)

Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52

*Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart (StF 545)
Eternity (When a seed, only small) (website only)
Food to pilgrims given (StF 584)
How small a spark has lit a living fire! (StF 408)
Let him to whom we now belong (StF 557)
Seek ye first the kingdom of God (StF 254)
The kingdom of God is justice and joy (StF 255)
We gather round this table (website only) communion hymn
What shall we offer our good Lord (StF 671)

Alternative related readings:

1 Kings 3: 5-12

*Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart (StF 545)
Give to me, Lord, a thankful heart (StF 520)
Happy are they who find the grace (StF 500)
Lord, we have come at your own invitation (StF 595)

Psalm 119: 129-136

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

O God of Bethel, by whose hand thy people still are fed (StF 475)
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You (StF 161)
Your words to me are life and health (StF 164)