Revised Common Lectionary Readings for March 15, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, March 15, 2026

First Reading 1 Samuel 16:1-13 1The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ 3Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” 4Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” 9Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” 10Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” 11Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. Psalm Psalm 23 1   The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2        He makes me lie down in green pastures;      he leads me beside still waters; 3        he restores my soul.      He leads me in right paths           for his name’s sake. 4   Even though I walk through the darkest valley,           I fear no evil;      for you are with me;           your rod and your staff —           they comfort me. 5   You prepare a table before me           in the presence of my enemies;      you anoint my head with oil;           my cup overflows. 6   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me           all the days of my life,      and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD           my whole life long. Second Reading Ephesians 5:8-14 8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light — 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,      “Sleeper, awake!           Rise from the dead,      and Christ will shine on you.” Gospel John 9:1-41 1As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out. 35Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202

WCC NEWS: “We are here and we care:” Young ecumenical leaders share prayers for peace

Young people across the global ecumenical movement are sharing prayers of solidarity in response to escalating violence and suffering in the Middle East and other regions affected by conflict. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 12 March 2026 Prepared by the Communications Working Group and Theology & Spiritual Life Working group of the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement, the collective prayers are offered “in humility and love,” holding in prayer not only the Middle East but also communities around the world experiencing war, violence, and uncertainty. “As we are in the Lenten season, we are lamenting the situation unfolding in the Middle East. In solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters there, especially in Iran, we cry out with agony and shout “Hosanna,” praying that God will save us and protect those who are suffering because of the war,” said Young People in the Ecumenical Movement moderator Karen Erina Puimera, from the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia. Puimera further added that “the complexity of the war does not lead us to tolerate hatred or injustice toward one another. As young people, we also cry with the people in Iran and other countries in the Middle East who are affected by this conflict.” Puimera said young people believe that the God of love and justice guides us through the Holy Spirit, helping us discern actions that do not represent God’s love in this world. “Through the unity of prayer and solidarity, God reminds us not to stand on the side of unrighteousness and injustice. Instead, we are called to strive for justice, freedom from exploitation, and peace as gifts from God that we are all responsible to protect and nurture,” she said. The prayers were shared through the Ecumenical Youth Network, where young people from different regions are exchanging prayers, reflections, and messages of hope. The initiative reflects a growing wave of spiritual solidarity among young Christians calling their communities to join them in prayer for peace, justice, and reconciliation. The youth wanted to say, “We are here and we care,” describing the effort as a way for young people to express compassion and stand with those experiencing suffering and fear. Abigayle Bolado, Youth Engagement programme executive, expressed that the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement, through their Ecumenical Youth Network, have joined together in global collective prayer for the ongoing war and conflicts in the Middle East and around the world. “Today, many people are living in fear, destruction, and chaos. Innocent lives, especially those of children and young people are the most vulnerable. Ongoing war and conflicts rob the present and future not only of those living in affected countries but also of many others whose lives are indirectly impacted as their economies suffer and instability spreads,” she said. Bolado added that “it is heartbreaking to imagine how vast resources are being used. Billions of dollars are spent on missiles, nuclear weapons, and machines designed to kill. Yet these same resources could instead be used to feed the hungry, care for the suffering, improve education and health, and restore hope to communities in need.” Even across continents and time zones, participants say they remain united in faith and concern for those affected by conflict. Through shared prayers and messages of encouragement, they seek to remind communities facing violence that they are not alone. "Our Lord and God Jesus Christ commanded us: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matt. 7:7). Churches do not have divisions or significant economic resources, and our ability to influence politics is extremely limited. But as Christians, we always have the opportunity to turn to God with fervent prayer, and I believe that He will hear it,” reflected Danil Arakelian, who is part of the Theology & Spiritual Life Youth Working Group. Arakelian added that “today, it is the duty of every believer to pray for peace, for the salvation of people, and for all those who today take up arms against one another, wherever that may be. We are called to be the ‘light of the world’ (Matt. 5:14), an island of stability and solidarity, an example of friendship, impartiality, and love for all nations. This is precisely what this initiative aims to highlight.” Ecumenical youth are also inviting young people within their churches and communities to offer their own prayers for peace and unity, strengthening a worldwide network of prayer and accompaniment. Through these shared prayers, young people in the ecumenical movement are giving voice to their hope for justice, healing, and reconciliation, believing that the future of our world should be built not on weapons and destruction, but on dignity, solidarity, and care for all humanity.   Read the shared prayers from the different regions See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, March 16 and Sunday, March 22, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, March 16, 2026 - That people take seriously God's call to be good stewards of creation.
• Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - That fathers and mothers in every American household would exercise godliness.
• Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - That students would have a passion for God.
• Thursday, March 19, 2026 - That nations work to secure and enhance international peace.
• Friday, March 20, 2026 - That we choose to show generosity and compassion to the poor and the needy.
• Saturday, March 21, 2026 - That we work together to protect the natural environment that's been entrusted to our care.
• Sunday, March 22, 2026 - That we are thankful for the opportunities and responsibilities we've been given.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, March 8, 2026

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During this season of Lent, we're moving through a sermon series entitled “Preparing for Easter.” In these five services, we're cons...

Looking into the lectionary - A sermon for aging Christians

Psalm 130 Fifth Sunday in Lent March 22, 2026 Psalm 130 When I retired from the Air Force, I had one more year of seminary and no clear direction about what would come next. I was unsettled. Where was God leading me? A pastor friend suggested this liminal space could be therapeutic — a time to focus and listen. Psalm 130 is written by a psalmist experiencing a similar liminal space. Although we don’t know the particulars of the situation, we can sense the distress from the opening verse: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.” In biblical times, “the depths” often referred to the chaotic depths of the sea, a place where it was believed evil reigned. The psalmist is in deep distress, perhaps even fearing death, and cries out for God’s help and forgiveness. Repetition and emphasis Psalm 130’s plea for help is followed by words of gratitude and thanksgiving. The writer acknowledges God’s power to forgive, which leads to hope (vv. 3–4). The focus then shifts to patience. The psalmist trusts that the Lord is present and will eventually respond (v. 5). Finally, the psalmist speaks to all of Israel, reminding the people that redemption comes through God’s steadfast love. Psalm 130 employs parallelism and repetition for emphasis. The word “wait” appears three times in verses 5–6. It is not just the psalmist’s intellectual self that waits for the Lord’s response. Rather, it is the writer’s very soul that waits. Another example appears in the repeated phrase, “more than those who watch for the morning” (vv. 5–6). Commentators suggest this refers to the Levites assigned to the Temple’s nightly watch. Their task was to signal the first light of dawn — the moment when the daily Temple sacrifice could begin. Dawn meant the long-awaited end of their night shift and the assurance of God’s blessing through the sacrifice. ...  Thank you to this week's writer, Jane Holtzclaw Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for March 15, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — March 22, 2026 by Jane Holtzclaw  Austin Seminary student James Talarico wins Democratic U.S. Senate primary by Harriet Riley A PC(USA) statement on the escalating war with Iran by the Office of Public Witness A sermon for elderly Christians in troubled times by Brenda Moten IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... The 227th General Assembly will feature 10 committees Committees will meet online June 22-24 before commissioners and advisory delegates head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Presbyterian News Service  Love Letters to God Andrew Taylor-Troutman praises "Love Letters to God' as a raw, brave epistolary friendship that wrestles honestly with suffering, faith, and a love strong enough to endure doubt. McCormick Theological Seminary announces $1 million gift establishing an endowed chair The Mitzi Gebhard Henderson Endowed Chair is ‘a living tribute to Presbyterian lay leader.’ — McCormick Theological Seminary Middle, high school students invited to ‘Wholly Shift!’ at 2026 Hastings Youth Conference Hastings College and the ASPIRE program are inviting students to an inclusive space where young people can explore their faith, build lasting connections and recognize their value. Why the ‘Book of Confessions’ still matters Stated clerk and pastor Christian Boyd argues that reducing the "Book of Confessions" risks unmooring Presbyterian formation from its theological foundations. A homecoming Doug McMahon reflects on how a bone marrow transplant teaches us that we humans are bound together, each needing the other, even at a cellular level. A pastor’s guide to online outrage A church quoted Bad Bunny. The comments turned combative. What followed led Trip Porch to think about Jesus and Nicodemus … and what faithful engagement looks like in the digital age. A new four-session Fresh Outlook Bible Studies In a moment when empathy is often misunderstood — and sometimes dismissed as weakness — “On the Road to Empathy” invites churches to return to Scripture and rediscover empathy as a deeply Christian practice.

World Evangelical Alliance - Urgent Call to Prayer for the Middle East

Today, the headlines are no longer hypothetical. On February 28, a military offensive involving coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran began; since then, sustained attacks with missile and drone launches have continued across the broader Middle East, bringing fear and instability to the region. What began as a targeted action has now spread into a wider regional crisis, bringing fear, instability, and deep uncertainty to millions. It has now been one week since the conflict began, with no end in sight. Salim J. Munayer, Regional Coordinator of the Peace & Reconciliation Network (MENA), reminds us: “War affects real people made in the image of God. Christians must not let fear, nationalism, or politics shape their faith. Above all, we must not lose compassion and must pursue peace even in times of conflict.” Join us in Prayer Topic: Urgent Prayer Meeting For The MENA Region. Time: Mar 7, 2026 03:30 PM Asia/Hebron Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84079432420 Meeting ID: 840 79432420 The World Evangelical Alliance calls our global constituency to urgent prayer. This is not only a political or military moment—it is a deeply spiritual one. We grieve the lives that will be lost, the families that will suffer, and the communities that will be shaken. We ask God to be near to the brokenhearted and to uphold those living under the shadow of conflict. We also want to reassure you that the WEA has church leaders actively serving on the ground in these regions. Praise God, our team has checked in with our church leader from this area, and they are safe, continuing important relief efforts. A Word from Jack Sara, Middle East and North Africa Alliance: "We ask you to pray—not only for the Holy Land, but for the entire region. Pray for restraint. Pray for wisdom among leaders. Pray for protection over civilians. Pray for the Church to be a faithful witness of Christ’s peace in the midst of turmoil. As Psalm 46:1 reminds us, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’" We invite you to stand with the Church in the Middle East and pray specifically for: Peace in the region and restraint that would preserve life and protect the innocent Comfort for families affected by violence and for all who are living in fear Wisdom for leaders and decision-makers in every nation involved Protection over civilians, aid workers, and local churches Strength and courage for believers, that they would remain steadfast and reflect Christ’s hope An open door for the Gospel, trusting that only the Good News of Jesus Christ can truly transform hearts and bring lasting change We recognize that political solutions alone cannot heal the deep wounds of conflict. As Botrus Mansour—Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance and a Palestinian, Nazareth‑born Arab Christian who has worked for decades to bring Christians together across the Middle East—reminds us, “You might know how you start a war but never know how it ends… Any linkage of this war to eschatology is highly problematic and makes evangelicals look detached.” It is only the Gospel that changes hearts and produces long‑term peace. Even as nations shake, God remains sovereign and attentive to prayer. As Scripture encourages us: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." – 2 Thessalonians 3:16 With gratitude, World Evangelical Alliance P.S. As the situation unfolds, humanitarian and relief needs are expected to increase across the region. The WEA is already in close contact with several of our local partners who are preparing to respond on the ground. If you feel led to give, your support will help bring practical aid, comfort, and hope to those affected. Thank you for standing with us in both prayer and action. Thank you for your support The World Evangelical Alliance retains discretion over how donations are allocated to ensure they are used where they can have the greatest impact. Over two billion Christians in the world today are represented by three world church bodies. The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is one of those, serving more than 650 million evangelicals belonging to churches that are part of 163 national Evangelical Alliances in 9 regions. Launched in London in 1846, the WEA unites evangelicals across denominations for prayer, evangelism, mission, theological education, religious freedom, human rights advocacy, relief, and engagement in a wide range of social issues. It speaks with one voice to United Nations, governments, and media in public or through behind-the-scenes diplomacy on issues of common concern to the Church. For more information, visit worldea.org WEA has been a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability since 1980. WEA is audited annually by an independent public accounting firm. WEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In the United States, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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