Proper 15 (Ordinary 20) · American Baptist Churches USA
American Baptist Churches USA edition — hymn suggestions lead with Glory to God. See the general version.
August 16, 2026 — liturgical color: green
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Readings for Proper 15 (Ordinary 20)
- First ReadingIsaiah 56:1, 6-8
- PsalmPsalm 67
- Second ReadingRomans 11:1-2a, 29-32
- GospelMatthew 15:(10-20) 21-28
Sermon angles to start your study
Starting points for your OWN study — not finished sermons.
A House for All Nations
Isaiah foretells a temple where foreigners and outcasts are welcomed as full worshippers, while Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman dramatizes the risky expansion of God’s mercy beyond Israel. Both texts subvert insider privilege: the Lord’s salvation is for all peoples who hold fast the covenant. Preach on how the church is being reshaped into a house of prayer for all nations, confronting our own boundaries and celebrating the surprising faith of those we exclude.
The Irrevocable Mercy of God
Paul agonizes over Israel’s unbelief yet insists God has not rejected his people. The hardening has a merciful purpose—so that Gentiles receive salvation and, in the mystery of divine strategy, all Israel will be saved. God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable; divine mercy springs precisely from the disobedience that grieves us. Preach on the security of God’s promises, the depth of grace in human failure, and the hope that no one is beyond the reach of redemptive love.
Blessed to Be a Blessing
The psalmist prays not for private prosperity but for a global chorus: let the nations be glad and sing for joy because God judges with equity. Blessing is the instrument of mission—the shining face of God is meant to be seen among all peoples. Preach on the church as a community blessed for the sake of the world, summoned to embody and proclaim God’s saving justice so that every tribe and tongue may join the praise of the earth’s true Lord.
Illustrations from the tradition
Teasers from Sermon Helper's illustration archive, matched to this week's texts.
God's love
“Love makes all our services acceptable, it is the musk that perfumes them. It is not so much duty, as love to duty, God delights in.”
Hymn suggestions by hymnal
Cross-referenced to this week's texts via the Hymnary.org scripture index.
- O Day of Peace That Dimly ShinesNo. 373
- O God of Every NationNo. 756
- Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the SunNo. 265
- O Day of Peace That Dimly ShinesNo. 729
- O God of Every NationNo. 435
- Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the SunNo. 157
- O Day of Peace That Dimly ShinesNo. 711
- Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the SunNo. 434
- O Day of Peace That Dimly ShinesNo. 597
- O God of Every NationNo. 607
- God of Mercy, God of GraceNo. 538
- Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the SunNo. 544
Call to worship
One responsive reading for each of the day's lessons — original compositions grounded in the passage. Free to adapt.
Based on Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Based on Psalm 67
Based on Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Based on Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28
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