July 5: 6th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 9, Lectionary 14, Independence Day Weekend

written by Cathy Ammlung | June 25, 2026

July 5: 6th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 9, Lectionary 14, Independence Day Weekend

 

All: Zechariah 9:9-12 (Rejoice, daughter of Zion, your lowly King comes to you)

All: Psalm 145:1-14 (The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; all his works praise him)

All: Romans 7:14-25 (I don’t do the good I want to do; another law is at work in me!)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 11:25-30 (My yoke is easy, my burden light)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (Jesus, friend of sinners; take my yoke…)

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Opening Hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

OR Hark, the Glad Sound: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349

Hymn of the Day: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say: LBW #497, ELW #332/611, LSB #699

NOTE: I know, nobody knows Lydian and Doric modes anymore, so the Tallis tune is tough  for many folks. The words, which are wonderful with the Gospel, can also be sung to the tune Kingsfold, and in ELW is specifically set to that melody at #611. The tune is commonly used for “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness, Lord” (WOV #730) and is also used for hymns in LSB (#444, 846) and LBW (#391). Try it out!

OR Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty: ELW #777

OR Come unto Me, Ye Weary: LSB #684

Communion 1:  Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender: LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504

Communion 2: When Peace, Like a River, Attendeth My Way: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

OR One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

Closing Hymn: God of Our Fathers: LBW #567

OR America the Beautiful: ELW #888

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Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

 

A brief silence is kept.

 

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, our friend and yokefellow. Thank you for soul’s refreshment and heart’s ease; for mind’s nourishment and body’s rest. Thank you for the countless blessings we so often take for granted.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Grant that your Church become as gentle and lowly of heart as its Savior. Use it to draw people who are burdened with sin, suffering, and sorrow, to the One who will give them rest. Let the Church’s mission – faith toward you and fervent love toward others – be light and joyous to bear.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Give encouragement and respite to your persecuted Church. Help us, who are richly supplied with your good gifts, to share generously with them. Teach us to pray for them and to speak and act on their behalf. Give us, and them, grace to pray for their tormentors to repent and believe the Good News.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Thank you for this congregation. Help us to see others through Jesus’ eyes. Some are carrying heavy burdens, known only to them and to you. Ease their load. Help us to refresh their spirits. Shape all we say and do, so that many find forgiveness, hope, and renewed joy in loving and serving you.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Thank you for this beautiful world, over which you have set us as your stewards. Let your Holy Spirit guide us to be wise, responsible, and compassionate as we tend the land and its creatures. Help us to enjoy the loveliness of creation, finding in it refreshment for our souls and relaxation for our bodies.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

{taken from the Online Book of Common Prayer; it seemed appropriate for the 250th birthday of the United States.} Almighty God, you have given us this good land for our heritage. We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves to be a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home. Through obedience to your law, may we show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Ease the burdens borne by all who risk their lives to keep us safe, just, and free. Prosper all they do in accordance with your will. Heal those who are wounded, and comfort and strengthen their loved ones. Help us honor their service and value their skills when their duties are finished.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Give rest and healing to everyone weighed down by sin, sorrow, or suffering, including: {List}. Ease the load of care and worry that their loved ones shoulder. Give to us all the joy of your saving help.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Thank you, dear Father, for our departed loved ones. Until we are reunited with them and with your children of every time and place, bless us with your steadfast mercy and loving-kindness. Yoke us to our Savior, and guide us by his Spirit. Strengthen us to help each other bear the burdens of life. Lead us into the eternal rest and unending joy which you have promised to everyone redeemed by the work of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.