Prayers for Worship
Easter 2
April 19, 2009

Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten

Call to Worship

Leader: Alleluia, Christ is risen.
People: He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Leader: Even when we doubt, we still worship in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People: From the rising of the sun to its going down let the name of Christ be praised.

Prayer of Invocation

Holy Breath, we praise God for the resurrection. Inspire us to celebrate Easter all fifty days. In the name of the risen Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Leader: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
People: God Almighty, we confess our sins, knowing that Christ is our only hope.
Leader: We allow our doubt to interfere with our devotion to you. We deny, minimize or explain away our sins. We keep our possessions for ourselves, unwilling to share, obsessed with competing and hoarding.
People: For the sake of our Empty Tomb-Savior, forgive us. Resurrect our commitment to you. So be it.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Alleluia! Through Christ, God, who is faithful and just, forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
People: Because Christ is risen, we, the baptized, are forgiven and shall live forever. Alleluia!

Prayer of Inspiration

Breath of Christ, teach us through the Word, that we may extend your mercy to all. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Resurrection God, you have baptized us, saved us, joined us to Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. We give special Alleluias for Mark the Evangelist and for St. Anselm. We praise you for devout Thomas, who declares, “My Lord and my God!” Teach us to do the same, even when we doubt. Lord of the Fifty Days, (congregational response: hear us.).

Resurrection God, often we doubt. Guide us to use this doubt to strengthen our love for you and others. Lord of the Fifty Days, . . .

Resurrection God, you have blessed us with many gifts. Grant us the courage and humility to share them, so that no one is in need. Lord of the Fifty Days, . . .

Resurrection God, you have given the world many beautiful colors and shades of humanity all around the world. Bless people everywhere, that we may draw together to bring peace. Teach us to put an end to shootings, evil dictators, war, and other violence. Lord of the Fifty Days, . . .

Resurrection God, we are in love with your gorgeous planet. Help us to show that love by taking better care of your world. Lord of the Fifty Days, . . .

Resurrection God, you have filled our lives with healing. Bring that healing to those in need, particularly those we mention in our hearts or aloud at this time [Add names]. Lord of the Fifty Days, . . .

(You may add other praises or petitions here...)

These prayers we give to you, God, in the name of Christ, full of the Spirit. Amen.

Offertory Prayer

We lay these offerings at the empty tomb, in the cross's shadow. Use them to help all in need so that no one does without.

Benediction

Leader: Alleluia. The peace of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: We go to share the peace of the Resurrection-Christ with all.
People: Alleluia. Amen.

(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)