Opening Prayer
Thanks to you, O ever-gentle Christ, for raising me freely from the black and darkness of last night into the kindly light of day. -Celtic Daily Prayer (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. -Psalm 62:5-8 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin God our Father, I come in need and with trust confessing my sin. Thank you that in Christ, your fullness dwells, and through him you choose to reconcile all things to yourself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. -Colossians 1:19-20 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will e an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” -John 11:38-40 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. -1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, we praise You as the King of history and confess that you are King of our time and of our nations. Forgive us for following the lead of any worldly influence; bring the perfect clarity of Your truth into any confusion. Forgive us for any way we’ve been looking to the government or our civic institutions to rescue us rather than courageously following You. Cleanse our hearts of anxiety, hopelessness, and unbelief, for we do believe You are faithful. Pour out Your Spirit upon us. Unleash Your Kingdom within us and among us. Renew our minds, make our wills one with Yours, and empower us to invite others into this blessed life of transformation in You. -Ministry of Pastoral Care |