The Prayers of the Church, The Resurrection of Our Lord, April 20, 2025, Cycle C
Easter Sunrise Lessons:
Job 19:23-27 (I know that my Redeemer lives!)
Psalm 118:15-29 (The right hand of the Lord has triumphed; this is the Lord’s doing;
this is the day the Lord has made)
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed;
the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible)
John 20:1-18 (the women at the tomb; Peter and John; Mary Magdalene and Jesus)
Easter Day Lessons:
Isaiah 65:17-25 (God promises new heaven and earth; people will live long and prosper;
nothing shall hurt or destroy on his holy mountain)
Psalm 16 (you do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your holy one see the Pit)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord)
1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (if Christ not raised, we are fools; but he has been raised, as shall we be!)
Luke 24:1-12 (the women at the empty tomb)
Hymn selections are for main services of the day, not the sunrise service
Opening Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today: LBW #151, ELW #365, LSB #457
Hymn of the Day: Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands: LBW #134, ELW #370, LSB #458
OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing (NOT the Christmas hymn of nearly the same name! 😉): LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475
Communion Hymn #1: Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Living Lord: WOV #671,
OR Alleluia! Jesus is Risen: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474
Communion Hymn #2: I Know that My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461
Closing Hymn: Christ is Risen! Alleluia!: LBW #131, ELW #382
Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
You have done gloriously, O Lord Jesus; you have risen victorious over our ancient foes – sin, death, and the devil. When this seems too good to be true, show us your wounded hands and side, and renew our faith. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so we may believe, proclaim, share, and live this truth: that because death has no dominion over you, it shall not have dominion over anyone whom you have redeemed.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
This day, your Church is adorned with beauty. Adorn it also, dear Lord, with your holiness and love. Make it resplendent with faith, hope, and charity. Clothe it in righteousness and truth. Make its worship a foretaste of your eternal marriage feast, shared with all who come in repentant faith.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Keep close to your heart all Christians who suffer persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of hatred from their tormentors. Hasten the day when together they adore you, their Lord and God.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Crown this congregation with joy, kindness, and praise for your victorious love. Give us grace to share the hope that is within us with gentleness and respect.
Alleluia, risen 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. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow upon them eternal life, forgiveness, and peace.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Bestow joy, comfort and wholeness upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe; and bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Keep safe all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, sorrow, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy, especially those we name before you now: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may join us in the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. “Lord Jesus, from all evil forever make us free – from sin and from the devil, and all adversity; from sickness, pain and sadness, from troubles, cares and fears; and grant us heavenly gladness, and wipe away our tears. O, let us see in glory, your blest, redeeming face; and sing the old, old story of your amazing grace. Join us, with angels’ voices, and saints, from great to least, ‘til all the world rejoices, and with you, keeps the feast!”
Alleluia, risen 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.
