Lord Jesus Christ, by your Spirit, we lift our hearts in gratitude and praise. By your Word, open our sight, unstop our ears, and soften our hearts. Lift the veil that we might glimpse your risen life at work among us, and know that in you we have the sure and certain hope of our own resurrection.
In this dawning of spring, in your wondrous creation we see all around us, have us see the reflection and foretaste of your new creation to come. Have us rejoice in the adventure of the resurrection life with friends and family through whom you walk with us, love us, guide us, and serve us.
Gracious Father, as we wrestle with the doubts, frustrations and temptations, and the sin and suffering of this life, turn our hearts to your fulfilled promise in Christ, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” You make a way in the wilderness of this age and pour out rivers of grace and living water through your one and only Son. Grace that is love that is gentle with a doubting heart. Grace that is love whose power is made perfect in our weakness. Grace that is love that seeks us out when we have nothing to give in return. Grace that is love that turns our sinful hearts toward restoration in your word of forgiveness.
King Jesus,
Be the Christ for us. When we are shaken by the tribulations of our time, hold fast to us with your promise “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” When we are anxious, worried, and fearful in our sin, have us remember that in you there is no fear, because you have conquered sin, death, and the devil. We no longer have to fear the tomb because you have already walked that road. You have already been there and the tomb is empty.
Be the Christ for us. Hold to your promises
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I am
Christ the crucified, for you
Christ the risen, for you
Christ the living and reigning, for you; never forsaking you, always helping you, always making you new.
Be the Christ for us. Crash in your kingdom light, for the King of kings reigns; He has risen. He has risen indeed. Alleluia!
Amen.