Easter 2A

Prayers for Worship Easter 2A by Ron Gordon
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.)