Nurture

July 2026 Bible readings

stjohnstmarkchurchburyWednesday, July 1, 2026

Here are the July 2026 Bible readings that we’ll be using in our churches as we carry on through ‘Ordinary Time’.

• July 5th – 5th after Trinity: Zechariah 9:9-12; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-end;
• July 12th – 6th after Trinity: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23;
• July 19th – 7th after Trinity: Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43;
• July 26th – 8th after Trinity: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Romans 8:26-end; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52;

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

• July 5th: God’s life-giving word bears fruit despite human weakness. Paul reflects on the struggle between intention and action, while Jesus invites the weary to find rest in him. Together, the readings speak of grace meeting us in our limitations and renewing us for faithful living.
• July 12th: God’s word, like rain upon the earth, brings growth and new life. Jesus’ Parable of the Sower explores the different ways people receive that word, while Paul speaks of life in the Spirit. The readings invite us to cultivate receptive hearts in which God’s life can flourish.
• July 19th: These readings encourage patience, hope, and trust in God’s justice. The Parable of the Weeds reminds us that good and evil grow side by side until God’s time of fulfilment, while Paul speaks of creation longing for redemption. The emphasis is on living faithfully amid imperfection, trusting God’s final purposes.
• July 26th: The kingdom of God is both precious and surprising. Solomon asks for wisdom, Jesus compares God’s kingdom to hidden treasure, a pearl of great value, mustard seed and yeast, while Paul proclaims the unwavering love of God from which nothing can separate us. Together, the readings celebrate wisdom, faithful discernment, and the immeasurable worth of God’s kingdom.

Across the Sundays of July, a clear thread emerges: God’s grace patiently transforms both people and creation. The readings move from weariness to rest, from seed to harvest, from waiting to hope, and from wisdom to the immeasurable value of God’s kingdom, encouraging us to trust God’s quiet but faithful work in our lives.

The July 2026 Bible readings also include this psalm about ruffians…

Psalm 86: 11-end. A prayer of David – asking for help

Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name for ever.
For great is your steadfast love towards me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

O God, the insolent rise up against me;
    a band of ruffians seeks my life,
    and they do not set you before them.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant;
    save the child of your serving-maid.
Show me a sign of your favour,
    so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
    because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Thanks once again to Olivia Snow for the photo on Unsplash