The Prayers of the Church
The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day, Cycle C, April 17, 2022
Easter Sunrise Lessons:
Job 19:23-27 (I know that my Redeemer lives!)
Psalm 118:15-29 (The right hand of the Lord has triumphed; this is the Lord’s doing; this is the day the Lord has made)
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed; the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible)
John 20:1-18 (the women at the tomb; Peter and John; Mary Magdalene and Jesus)
Easter Day Lessons:
Isaiah 65:17-25 (God promises new heaven and earth; people will live long and prosper; nothing shall hurt or destroy on his holy mountain)
Psalm 16 (you do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your holy one see the Pit)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord)
1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (if Christ not raised, we are fools; but he has been raised, as shall we be!)
Luke 24:1-12 (the women at the empty tomb)
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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
You have done gloriously, Lord Jesus. You have risen victorious over our ancient foes: sin, death, and the devil. When this good news seems too good to be true, show us your wounded hands and side, and renew our faith. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so we may firmly believe, rightly proclaim, generously share, and beautifully live this truth: that because death has no dominion over you, neither shall it have the last word over anyone whom you have redeemed.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Adorn your beautifully-decorated Church, dear Lord, most especially with the beauty of your holiness and the light of your love. Make it resplendent with faith, hope, and charity. Clothe it in festal robes of righteousness and truth. Make its worship a foretaste of your eternal marriage feast, shared with everyone who comes in repentant faith.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer bitter persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of hatred and evil from the hearts of their tormentors. Hasten the day when all come to you in repentance, faith, and joy.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, and unceasing praise for your eternal and victorious love. Give us grace to share the hope that is within us with gentleness and respect, so that others may learn to love and trust you, their Savior and Lord.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow faith, righteousness, and salvation upon them forever.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Bestow joy, comfort, and wholeness upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe. Bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy, especially those we name before you: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may join us in proclaiming, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. “Lord Jesus, from all evil forever make us free – from sin and from the devil, and all adversity; from sickness, pain and sadness, from troubles, cares and fears; and grant us heavenly gladness, and wipe away our tears. O, let us see in glory, your blest, redeeming face; and sing the old, old story of your amazing grace. Join us, with angels’ voices, and saints, from great to least, ‘til all the world rejoices, and with you, keeps the feast!”
Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
