After Pentecost 20A – October 11

Sunday, October 11, 2026
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost | Year A
Matthew 22:1-14 | “Those Who Have Been Invited”

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 106)
One: Who can express the mighty work of the Holy One?
Many: We who gather praise the Holy One for God is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever!
One: Who can proclaim the redemptive acts of the Holy One?
Many: We who gather praise the Holy One for justice and righteousness. God shows favor and mercy toward the people.
One: Who can declare the wondrous and awesome deeds of the Holy One?
Many: We who gather praise the Holy One! Praise the Holy One!

Invocation
Holy Love, your presence is our sanctuary. We gather at your invitation to be in community with you and one another. Enliven our hearts. Nourish our spirits. Encourage our souls. Expand our minds. We seek truth and righteousness. We thirst to give and receive compassion and grace. Let us feast on your word, release our concerns in prayer, and offer our praise in thanksgiving. Be glorified among us, O God, our Redeemer, Host, and Friend. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy One, we acknowledge that you have modeled a way of being in the world that we struggle to adopt. You invite us to love the neighbor we do not know and the enemy that we do. We encourage us to prioritize the marginalized and center the oppressed even when our own needs overwhelm us. You invite us into your kindom, and the cost of discipleship sometimes seems to be more than we can afford. Holy One, we need strength and hope for the journey. Let your surpassing peace enable us to pursue a worthy and pleasing life. Amen.

Words of Grace
Siblings in Christ, the Holy One is near and responds to your prayer. Remember, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

Invitation to Generosity
Generosity serves as a response to the Holy One’s abundant creation, trustworthy provision, and compassionate care. When we give, we accept that God has given more than enough for us to share, all have a place of belonging in God’s realm, and making room affirms our commitment to God’s reign. Let us give in faith, trust, gratitude, and love.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Generous God, receive our offerings as acceptance to your invitation to the kindom life. May they be used to spread abundance, generate hope, and meet needs. Bless us as we give to grow in generosity, gratitude, and grace. We give thanks for this opportunity to participate in your kindom come and your will be done in our communities and world. Amen.

Benediction
As you go, take the invitation with you…
To receive and give hospitality.
May you know God and be known by God.
May the table and feast of God’s kindom expand
As you share the invitation of good news
In the world and for the glory of God.

Those Who Have Been Invited: Service Prayers for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Year A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.