a service of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library
The Entombment of Christ / Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi da, 1573-1610 / ca. 1600-1604 (Click the picture for more information)
Reproduced from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. A complete edition of the prayers is available though Augsburg Fortress [link].
  • Thematic
  • Almighty God,
    Your name is glorified
    even in the anguish of your Son's death.
    Grant us the courage
    to receive your anointed servant
    who embodies a wisdom and love
    that is foolishness to the world.
    empower us in witness
    so that all the world may recognize
    in the scandal of the cross the mystery of reconciliation. Amen.

    OR

    Faithful Midwife,
    as you delivered the Hebrews safely
    out of the long labor of slavery,
    so, morning by morning,
    you draw us forth into the new day.
    Surround us with a cloud of witnesses,
    and sustain us by your powerful word,
    that, in the night of loneliness and fear,
    we, being weary, may not lost heart
    but push toward the joy that is to come,
    laboring with Christ
    to give birth to your promised kingdom. Amen.

    OR

    Creator of the universe,
    you made the world in beauty,
    and restore all things in glory
    through the victory of Jesus Christ.
    We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured
    by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war, and greed,
    the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace,
    to the glory of your name. Amen.

    OR

    Christ our God,
    your love is poured out in death for our sakes.
    Hold us in your embrace
    as we wait for Easter's dawn.
    Comfort us with the promise that no power on earth, not even death itself,
    can separate us from your love;
    and strengthen us to wait
    until you are revealed to us
    in all your risen glory. Amen.
  • Intercessory
  • O God, whose face shines upon us,
    we offer the prayers we carry deep in our hearts
    that those who need deliverance
    may know your steadfast love and salvation.

    Prayers of the People, concluding with:

    Merciful God,
    release us from the time of trial and oppression,
    that we may witness to the eternal hope
    of grief becoming joy
    and life rising from death. Amen.
  • Scripture
  • Eternal God, rock and refuge:
    with roots grown old in the earth,
    river beds run dry,
    and flowers withered in the field,
    we wait for revival and release.
    Abide with us
    until we come alive
    in the sunrise of your glory. Amen.