Prayers for Easter Day - Sunday 31 March 2013

By Mrs Sue Allen

Come, share our Easter Joy,
That death could not imprison,
Nor any power destroy
Our Christ who is arisen.

Lord, on this glorious Easter Morning, we are filled with the sheer joy of your resurrection. Jesus, risen in the garden, roll away the stones of our doubt  and disbelief, bring us to the awe and beauty of your risen presence, that we may be an Easter People of unshakeable hope.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Risen Lord, we pray that you would watch over our world. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes broken and bewildered, sometimes threatened by dangerous and hostile forces. We remember victims of war, refugees, especially those who are learning to sing their own song in a strange land. Children whose mothers have no milk and whose fathers have no bread. May the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Risen Lord, we pray for your Church. That divisions may be healed, factions reconciled and that all who think of themselves as ‘not church people’ may find the doors open and the welcome irresistible. Bind us together Lord, in Love, Peace and Trust. Build us together Lord in Spirit, Faith and Truth. Unite us so that together in your strength and following your Holy Spirit, we may work for your Kingdom as disciples of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour..
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Risen Lord, we pray for all in need today. Word of the Father, speak for those who feel they have no voice. Lord, as you prayed in Gethsemane, we pray for all who feel lost, frightened, abandoned with nowhere to go. Help them to find you, Lord, to give them direction, a map and a compass, and strength and energy for their journey towards fulfilment and content . We remember all who are sick at this time. Touch with your healing touch all bodies and minds in want of wholeness.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We remember those who have died and their loved ones who grieve for them. We light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which brings hope in dark places. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light no darkness can quench. Today we remember……………………………….....In your light may we see light.

As we bring our prayers to a close, we would ask that you walk with us into the coming week, calm our fears, clear our confusion, guide us in all we might say or do.
Come, share our Easter Joy,
That death could not imprison,
Nor any power destroy
Our Christ who is arisen.