THE PRAYERS
Easter Day, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Cycle B (April 1, 2018)
Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.
A brief silence
O Lord Jesus, risen gloriously from the dead, we praise, worship and adore you for your victory over our ancient enemies – sin, death and the devil. Fill your Church with the splendor of your life, light and love, until the world and all its people rejoice and sing: “Alleluia, Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer bitter persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help; purge the leaven of hatred and evil from the hearts of their tormentors; and hasten the day when all may fall before your feet in repentance, faith and joy. We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, undaunted hope, and unceasing praise for your eternal and victorious love. Let all whom we know, meet and serve see your goodness revealed in our words and deeds.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body; and grant them faith to know that you live to bestow health and salvation upon them forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant peace among the nations of the earth, dear Lord; and impart wisdom, integrity, and holy fear to its leaders. Let the light of your Resurrection bring joy, comfort and wholeness to all people – especially those most afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe; and bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the strong and righteous arm of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Make them brave, wise and good. Shield them from the forces of evil and destruction. Heal them when they fall; and fill their loved ones with unconquerable confidence in your triumph over every foe.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of all who are sick, wounded, abused, imprisoned, despairing, grieving or dying, and for all who crave your mercy, including: {List}. Impart your life and love to them all, so that they may join us in the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy and gracious Savior, we thank you for redeeming all who have fallen asleep in your mighty arms. In your mercy, wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Feed us all with a foretaste of your Kingdom feast. Take away the shroud of sin, suffering and sorrow that troubles this broken world; and give us faith to love, forgive, and serve one another in humble joy and gratitude for your goodness. And, of your grace, raise us up to stand with all the redeemed and sing, “Blessing, honor, glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever! Amen! This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
