LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A (23 August 2026)

Selected hymns and song suggestions, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A.

Many are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) so the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing - sometimes in a limited setting. Many of these hymns are old / traditional - but where possible a variety of styles and genres are listed. A small selection of hymns which are still copyright may also be included if they are particularly appropriate.

Suggestions about other free-to-use hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

21th Sunday of OT, Year C

20th Sunday of OT

22th Sunday of OT

21th Sunday of OT, Year B

Readings

First: Isaiah 22: 19-23 - The prophet delivers God's message that he will give earthly authority ... to one who shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut; he shall shut, and no one shall open.

Psalm 137 - Your love, O Lord is eternal, discard not the work of your hands / I thank you Lord with all my heart / I thank you for your faithfulness and love / The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly.

Second: Romans 11: 33-36 - Paul reflects on the depths of God and asks “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?”

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20 - Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and then “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, ..." Jesus blesses him, and declares him to be ... Peter, and on this rock I will build my church ...

Themes

Recognising God. The church built on rock. Kingdom. Trust. Mission.

Free-use artwork

See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.

Free-use hymns

All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

All my Hope on God is Founded

Be Still and Know

Be Thou My Vision

Built on a Rock

Built on the Rock - Grundtvig / Carl Døving

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

Father Hear the Prayer we Offer

Firmly I Believe and Truly

Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken

I Love Your Church O Lord

I Received the Living God

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Let all the World Rejoice

Love Divine all Loves Excelling

My God how Wonderful You Are

Praise to the Holiest in the Height

Soul of my Saviour

Take my Life and Let it Be

The Church's One Foundation

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

Thy Hand O God has Guided

We Walk by Faith

Hymns which may still be copyright

Anointed One (What fabled names from Judah's past) - Troeger

God Loves a Cheerful Giver (verse 1) - Winter

I Call to You my Rock - Leckebusch

Lift High the Cross

Meekness and Majesty - Kendrick

Peter the Rock - Living Waters (video)

Walk with Me - Rice

Well Jesus is the Rock - Treagus