Here are the August 2026 Bible readings that we’ll be using in our churches as we continue to journey through ‘Ordinary Time’.
- Aug 2nd – 9th after Trinity: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 15-end; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21;
- Aug 9th – 10th after Trinity: 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33;
- Aug 16th – 11th after Trinity: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28;
- Aug 23rd – 12th after Trinity: Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20;
- Aug 30th – 13th after Trinity: Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-end; Matthew 16:21-end;
If you don’t have access to a Bible, then please go to the Vanderbilt Divinity Library by following this link. It’s not always the same but it’s normally close.
In summary
The Sunday readings throughout August invite us on a journey of discipleship. We begin with God’s generous invitation: “Come, all you who are thirsty” (Isaiah 55), echoed in Jesus feeding the five thousand, reminding us that God’s kingdom is one of abundant grace rather than scarcity.
As the month unfolds, Elijah hears God’s quiet voice in the silence, Peter learns to trust Christ amid the storm, and we are encouraged to listen for God’s presence even when life feels turbulent. The focus then shifts to belonging. Isaiah proclaims that God’s house is for all people, while Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman reveals a kingdom whose welcome continually reaches beyond expected boundaries.
Towards the end of the month, Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah prompts us to consider our own calling and identity. God sees in us more than we yet see in ourselves, inviting each of us to offer our unique gifts in the service of his Church. Finally, Jesus’ call to take up the cross, together with St Paul’s vision of genuine love, reminds us that Christian discipleship is not simply about believing, but about living lives marked by humility, reconciliation and faithful love.
Together, these readings encourage us to receive God’s generosity, listen for his voice, grow into the people he is calling us to become, and carry Christ’s love into the world – even when that love asks something of us.
The August 2026 Bible readings also include this psalm, which has a familiar start…
Psalm 67: The nations are called to praise God
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.Selah
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us;
let all the ends of the earth revere him.
Thanks once again to Olivia Snow for the photo on Unsplash