Prayers, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 7, 2024)
Acts 4:32-35 (The believers share their possessions)
Psalm 148 (Praise for God’s universal glory)
ELW: Psalm 133 (The blessedness of unity)
1 John 1:1-2:2 (We declare what we have seen, heard, touched; Christ is advocate when we confess sins)
John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – and Thomas)
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Opening hymn: This Joyful Eastertide:
LBW #149 (has only 1 verse), WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482
Hymn of the Day: O Sons and Daughters of the King: LBW #139, LSB #470/471
O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing, ELW #386, version 1
OR We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight: WOV #675, ELW #635, LSB #720
OR Three Things Did Thomas Count as Real: LSB #472
OR The Risen Christ: ELW #390
Communion Hymn #1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649
Communion Hymn #2: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474
OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!: LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475
Closing Hymn: In Thee Is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818
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Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for breathing your Spirit and peace upon us. Thank you for giving us your own work of forgiving the sins of all who seek forgiveness and grace. Give us the faith, hope, and charity to believe, worship, and obey you always.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church. May it never doubt your Resurrection, and always proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour your Holy Spirit into your persecuted followers. May their faith in you be unwavering, and their witness to you be gracious and bold.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Breathe your gracious Spirit upon this congregation. Make us hunger for your Word and thirst for your goodness. Help us to love you by serving others in your name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Breathe your Spirit upon doubters, and all whose confidence in your grace has been shaken by tragedy. Use us to lead them into your house. Lift them with your wounded hands. Transform their unbelief into unshakeable faith in you, their Lord and God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give the leaders of the nations, and to all people, that peace which the world cannot give. Let righteousness and mercy bless those troubled by the powers of sin, evil and death.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The other disciples sought out Thomas when he was doubting and sorrowful. Teach us to seek out and walk with others when they despair of your love. Give us grace to be gentle, patient, yet persistent as we invite them to taste and see your goodness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring the peace of your forgiveness, the healing of your dear touch, and the joy of your salvation to all those who suffer in body or spirit. Today we remember before you: {List}. Cheer their hearts, renew their faith, and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death. You promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Turn our doubt into confidence. Grant that all whom you have redeemed may see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”
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.
Thank You