Opening Prayer
Glory, glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father we worship you, we give you thanks, We praise you for your glory. Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: Have mercy on us; You are seated at the right hand of the Father: Receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God, the Father. Amen. -The Gloria (2nd century) (Silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible O God, you are my God; with all that I am I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because Your constant overflowing love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied in you. -Psalm 63:1-4 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Thank you Jesus, that sin no longer need reign in my mortal body that I should obey its evil desires. With your help, I will not present the parts of my body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but I will present myself to You, Lord God, as one who is alive from the dead. -Romans 6:12 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” -John 11:25, 26 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and Others Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy pride? Christ is risen, and thou art abolished! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen and life reigns. For Christ, who rose from the dead, has become the leader and reviver of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages! Amen. -John Chrysostom (347-407) |