12th in Ordinary Time (June 24)

12^TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

June 24

• 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20 or 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16 and Psalm 133  •  Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32  •  2 Corinthians 6:1-13  • Mark 4:35-41

 

CALL TO WORSHIP   

O Lord, the poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble.

Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you.

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart, and tell about the wonders you have worked.

God Most High, I will rejoice; I will celebrate and sing because of you.

          (from Psalm 9)

OPENING PRAYER   

Almighty God, we gather here as people who have come to trust your goodness and your power. You gave David power over Goliath; and you give us power to face any situation. We draw upon your strength to live as brave and compassionate people. You teach us not to be afraid. As we worship this morning, may your presence be felt and celebrated. For we pray in the name of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CALL TO CONFESSION

We never come here confessing perfection or self-righteousness. We know our need of God. And we know that God is forgiving.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION    

Merciful God, we confess that our faith is weak. We want to trust you fully, but we do not always have strong faith. Sometimes life gets us down. We face situations that seem overwhelming, and we are tempted to give up or run away. Help us, O God, to look to you, and to place our lives in your strong hands. Forgive our fragile faith. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, who calms the storms and lifts the fallen. Amen.

          (third sentence alludes to Goliath story; last sentence refers to the gospel reading)

SILENT CONFESSION

ASSURANCE OF GRACE   

The sinfulness of humanity is like an undefeatable giant. But God’s slingshot of mercy has dealt the mortal blow to sin and death. The weakness of the cross is stronger than the power of evil.

Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!  Amen.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds to understand the Scriptures today. May the story of David and Goliath become our story. Amen.

SERMON IDEAS

(1) What ‘giant’ are you facing right now? (2) As David could not use Saul’s armor, we too must be ourselves and not try to be someone else. (3) David had a sling shot he knew how to use. We also have resource available to us, e.g., friends, church, counselors, imagination, scripture, prayer, government agencies, etc. (4) David moved toward the giant. Are we running away from some problem? What first step could you take toward solving your problem? (5) David trusted God. The battle was the Lord’s. We have to balance two things: our trust in God, and taking responsibility for ourselves. David took responsibility, but he also trusted God. Are you out of balance?

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