Sunday 20 July 2025
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This Sunday is also designated Rural Mission Sunday. Further information and resources can be found on our Special Sunday pages:
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
Amos 8: 1-12
Father, we have sinned in word, and deed, and thought (StF 422)
In an age of twisted values we have lost the truth we need (StF 703)
The prophets’ voice comes down the years (StF 162)
Who can sound the depths of sorrow in the Father heart of God (StF 723)
[Note: This hymn is also suggested for 10 and 24 July - perhaps take the opportunity to use the hymn as a thread across all three Sundays.]
Psalm 52 or Psalm 82
Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme
All I once held dear (StF 489)
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you (StF 544)
My soul finds rest in God alone (StF 633)
Colossians 1: 15-28
All heaven declares the glory of the risen Lord (StF 293)
Author of life divine (StF 572)
Christ triumphant, ever reigning (StF 319)
God of all power, and truth, and grace (StF 498)
Hail, thou once despised Jesus (StF 301)
Meekness and majesty, manhood and deity (StF 362)
This, this is the God we adore (StF 67)
Luke 10: 38-42
All I once held dear, built my life upon (StF 489)
Dear Lord and Father of mankind forgive our foolish ways (StF 495)
Listen for God who speaks within our hearts (website only)
*My eyes be open to your presence (StF 560)
Seek ye first the kingdom of God (StF 254)
Speak in the stillness, God we pray (StF 511)
To be in your presence, to sit at your feet (StF 530)
Alternative related readings
Genesis 18: 1-10
Deep in the shadows of the past (StF 463)
God moves in a mysterious way (StF 104)
Great is thy faithfulness (StF 51)
*My eyes be open to your presence (StF 560)
Ubi caritas et amor (Where there is charity and love) (StF 783)
Psalm 15
Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme
Blest are the pure in heart (StF 244)
Love divine, all loves excelling (StF 503)
A prayer for creation
Through your infinite mercy, O God, may we be prevented from destroying your creation. With so many ongoing conflicts, Lord, it can sometimes be a challenge for many people to believe in your existence. Yet, in spite of centuries of violence and hatred, oppression and injustice, all spawned from humankind, it is a miracle indeed that the human race can still recover, and produce people who can, and do, overcome evil with good; hatred with love and greed with open-handedness. This, Father God, can only be possible by your outpouring of grace. Amen.
John Morton, supernumerary presbyter, Kendal circuit
A prayer for God's forgiveness - Alternative Prayer
To you, O God most high, we lift our hearts, voicing our praise, confessing our sins and seeking your pardon. To you we come for grace, to you we render our thanks and to you we ascribe all honour and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Sunday 20 July 2025
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks... (v. 40)