Easter prayer 2019
Oh God of light and hope
We your Easter people come into your sanctuary to celebrate the victory of your Son Jesus in his victory over death with his Resurrection into our world.
We bring with us our hopes and fears, our sorrows and joys, our own triumphs over the forces of darkness that challenge us every day.
We ask this morning that you enter our hearts, our minds, and our souls and with your Spirit lift us up, remind us of your love that can sustain us through all the difficulties of our fast changing world.
We see the power of this love in the mystery of your Son’s Resurrection, His return from the grave to life among us. We are here today in worship to take part in the sacred liturgy that reconnects us to the wonder of this miracle, the gift of renewal that is present in a life of faith. For as many of us have witnessed the dying of parts of our lives, so we can also take part in the renewal of hope and renewal in the Resurrection of your Son the Christ.
We your Easter People bring with us our sense of failings and disappointments, as well as hope for future redemption and renewal. Where we have fallen short in our trust in you, give us the strength to turn ourselves and our efforts over to you. Where we have been unwilling to share our resources with others in your Name, give the warmth of the Spirit to be generous with those in need. Where negativity and sadness have overtaken us, fill us with your renewing love to reshape our response to the world around us. Help us to forgive all transgressions, overcome all doubts in our faith, and injuries to our soul, that we might keep our lives truly focused on the Light of the World in your Son’s presence among us.
Where we see those around us who are impoverished and helpless, give us the insight to help them find their way to a stable life. When there are those in our midst who are saddened by grief and loss, help us to provide the listening ear and warmth of a healing Spirit for them in their time of need. For those in missions and those providing leadership for our church, we lift up prayers for their well-being and faithfulness to your vision.
Be with us that this church, this community of faith, may follow your will in spreading the love and message of eternal forgiveness found in the life, death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus.
For it is in His Name that we offer this prayer and recommit ourselves to you. Amen
