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
- 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 lose 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
Mighty God,
in whom we know the power of redemption,
you stand among us in the shadows of our time.
As we move through every sorry and trial of this life,
uphold us with knowledge of the final morning
when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,
we will share in his resurrection,
redeemed and restored to the fullness of life
and forever freed to be your people. Amen.
- Intercessory
- As we remember the story
of God's gracious presence with us
through life and death,
we lift our prayers on behalf of all creation.
Prayers of the People, concluding with:
God of salvation,
your wisdom and compassion guide us
in the midst of pain and grief,
in the midst of temptation and fear.
Through your resurrection power
heal our sorrow and uplift us in delight,
that we may know that fulfillment of your promise
in our restoration to wholeness. Amen.
- Scripture
- Sanctifier of time and space,
maker of dancing quarks and ancient quasars,
of energy and element,
blessed are you, God of Gods.
Your saving love endures forever;
your holy light pierces the cold darkness of death and chaos;
you cut a covenant of life with your creatures,
which no evil can overcome.
May the glorious radiance of resurrection
dispel the shadows in our lives and conform us more closely to your risen Christ,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor, praise, and glory. Amen.