April 16, 2023, 2nd Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:29-42 (Gamaliel counsels caution dealing with apostolic teaching, miracles)
(ELW: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Peter exhorts crowd to repent, be baptized)
Psalm 148 (Praise God for his universal glory)
(ELW: Psalm 16, I keep the Lord always before me; I shall not be moved)
1 Peter 1:3-9 (Christ’s resurrection promises new hope, imperishable inheritance)
John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – including Thomas)
Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, when news seems too good to be true, we hesitate to lose our hearts to it. We’re afraid we might be losing our minds, too! Like Thomas, we want proof before we commit. Forgive our fears and strengthen our faith. Remind us, again and again, that your Good News is too good not to be true.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon the Church, and fill it with your peace. Test and purify it, so that you are constantly praised and glorified in all it says and does. Use it to bring many to a sure faith in you, the Author of salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon Christians who are persecuted for naming you as Lord. Let their faithful endurance glorify you. Soften the hearts of their enemies. Give them the faith of the apostles, who rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer on account of your Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation with the imperishable inheritance that you have won for all who trust in you. Increase our love for you and for one another. Let our words be gracious and our deeds be generous. In all things, may our lives be filled with your holy love.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Show yourself in mercy, forgiveness, and power to those who doubt or disbelieve the Gospel of truth. Give us a gentle and encouraging spirit, so we can lead them closer to you. Give us simple, faithful words and holy lives. Give us grace so that we do not become stumbling-blocks in their journey from disbelief to saving faith in you, their Lord and their God.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Your glory is proclaimed in the heavens and throughout the universe. Cause this world, so wounded by sin, suffering and sorrow, to also praise you. Turn every heart, especially of the rulers of the nations, to seek your will. Bestow the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so that we might accomplish it.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give wings to the words of missionaries, evangelists, and spiritual guides. Bless and direct the teachings of all within our seminaries, colleges, and schools. Help them to speak and to live the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection with confidence and charity.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We lift before you everyone who has been grieved by various trials to body, mind, heart or spirit, including: {List}. Lead them safely through their suffering. Restore them to life, hope and love. Though they do not see you, give them grace to rejoice in your saving love for them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
O risen Savior, we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Comfort all whose grief runs deep. Fill our hearts with hope, joy, and confidence in the precious inheritance you have stored up for all who trust in you. Breathe your Holy Spirit on us, so that we may forgive one another and live together in your peace. Bring us into your presence, where we may gaze upon your glory and goodness, and may forever adore you, our Lord and our God.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.
Thanks for your most thoughtful prayers!