Thursday, April 16, 2009

Pastoral Prayer, Easter Sunday, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH

Creator, Sustainer, Almighty God, You who made a way for us to receive salvation through your Son Jesus Christ, we thank you for this Easter Morn. We thank you that we may come into your house and worship you today. Christ has risen, yes He has risen indeed. When we think back on this Passion Week we stop and ponder what you have done for us. Our Risen Lord Jesus Christ came into the city a Messiah and left a criminal. He endured the mocking and scourging for us. Without a word He bore our sins on the cross so that we may have new life with you in Paradise. He rose again, on the third day, conquering sin and death for us. For this we are thankful.

We come before your throne today not as sinners but as a forgiven people, redeemed through the blood of the Lamb. We come with our prayers of celebration and of concern. Hear our prayers O Lord, those that are spoken and those that are within our hearts. (Prayers of the people) We pray for those who are ill, we pray for healing…we pray for those who are alone on this Easter Morn. And we ask that they will feel your presence. We pray for those who live in fear and are weak and ask that you would give them strength. We pray for those who are homeless and hungry and pray that you would provide for them all that they need. We pray for those who have no voice and ask that you would help them find their voice. We pray for freedom for the oppressed, set the captives free. But most of all…we thank you for your Son Lord Jesus Christ who taught us to pray… (The Lord’s Prayer) He has risen…He has Risen indeed!

AMEN

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