2nd Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 11, 2021)
Acts 4:32-35 (The believers share their possessions)
Psalm 148 (Praise for God’s universal glory)
ELW: Psalm 133 (The blessedness of unity)
1 John 1:1-2:2 (We declare what we have seen, heard, touched; Christ is our advocate when we confess our sins)
John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – and Thomas)
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THE PRAYERS
Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, thank you for being so patient with your followers. Thank you for breathing your Spirit and your peace upon us. Thank you for giving us your own work of forgiving the sins of all who are humble enough to seek forgiveness and grace. Give us the faith, hope, and charity to believe, worship, and obey you always.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, so that it may never doubt your Resurrection, but always proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour your Holy Spirit into your persecuted followers, so that their faith in you is unwavering and their witness to you is both gracious and bold.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Come with your forgiveness, grace, and peace to the people of this congregation. Make us hunger for your Word and thirst for your goodness. Give us a vision of your love for each of us. Help us to serve you by serving others in your name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon skeptics, doubters, and all whose confidence in your grace has been shaken by tragedy. Use us to lead them gently into your house. Lift them with your wounded hands. Transform their unbelief into unshakeable faith in you, their Lord and God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give the leaders of the nations, and all people entrusted to their care, that peace which the world cannot give. Send your Holy Spirit into the world. Let repentant faith and deeds of mercy bring the light of your saving love to hearts darkened by the powers of sin, evil and death.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The other disciples sought out Thomas when he was grieving and in despair. Teach us to be your disciples, seeking out and walking with others even when they despair of your love. Give us grace to be gentle, winsome, patient, yet persistent as we invite them to taste and see your goodness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring the peace of your forgiveness, the healing of your dear touch, and the joy of your salvation to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering to body, mind or soul. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Cheer their hearts, renew their faith, and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death, and you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We entrust into your strong arms the lives of all who have fallen asleep in you. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Turn our doubt into unshakeable confidence. Grant that all whom you have redeemed may see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”
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.
