John 20: 19-31
Prayer:
Hail, Crucified and Risen Lord,
speaking peace to your fearful disciples,
showing the wounds of your passion.
equipping them for your extended mission to the world,
with the breath of the Spirit,
and the forgiveness of sin,
thus welding them together as your body in the world.
Holy is the Lord of the church,
The Spirit who is the life of the church,
And the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:
One God, blessed for ever and ever.
Lord Jesus,
We know about Thomas and the problem of doubt and faith,
because we waver between them ourselves. We do not want
to be misled by others, and we are afraid of looking like fools.
We forget that it is by the foolishness of the cross that we are called into fellowship
with you, the Crucified, and receive forgiveness of sin.
Lord, have mercy.
We hear the apostolic testimony whenever the New Testament is opened,
and you call us, like Thomas to believe.
Christ, have mercy.
Call us, Lord, beyond seeing and touching into trusting you,
and into trusting and loving one another in your fellowship.
Lord, have mercy.
Living Lord, your mercy and loving-kindness surround us:
may our faith be aware of this all our days and when our seeing and doubting
are past may we live in the light of your glory, for blessed is God forever. Amen
Poem for Worship
by Jennie Gordon
peace be with you
breathless body bound
tomb sealed with stone
doors locked in fear
yet, you are here
persistent peddler of peace
intruder into gathered grief
rupturing the possible
with promise
blood and water birthing
breathing
new creation
from the dust of disbelief
coaxing our questions
enticing eager infant hands
to touch the wounds
until with wobbling faith
we stand
and learn to say, acclaim, proclaim
your encompassing, indwelling name
and know
you will not leave us
as you bless us
as you send us
as we stumbling go
(Comments to Jenn at jennieg@labyrinth.net.au.)