Lord,
We offer you thanks and praise this Easter morning, and we beseech you to remove the veil from our eyes, ears, and hearts. Remove the veil so we might see your resurrection life at work in our midst, and know that in you we have the assurance of our own resurrection. In this dawning of spring, in your beautiful creation we see all around us, have us see the reflection and foretaste of your new creation to come. Have us rejoice in the adventure of the resurrection life with friends and family through whom you walk with us, love us, guide us, and serve us.
Almighty God,
As we all wrestle with the doubts, frustrations and temptations, and the sin and suffering of this life, turn our hearts to your fulfilled promise in Christ, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” You make a way in the wilderness of this age and pour out rivers of grace and living water through your one and only son. Grace that is love that is gentle with a doubting heart. Grace that is love whose power is made perfect in our weakness. Grace that is love that seeks us out when we have nothing to give in return. Grace that is love that turns our sinful hearts toward restoration in your word of forgiveness.
King Jesus,
When we are shaken by the tribulations of our time, hold fast to us with your promise “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” When we are anxious, worried, and fearful in our sin, have us remember that in you there is no fear, because you have conquered sin, death, and the devil. We no longer have to fear the tomb because you have already been there. The tomb is empty
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I am
Jesus Christ the crucified
Jesus Christ the risen
Jesus Christ the living and reigning, never forsaking you, always helping you, always making you new.
AMEN.