Almighty God,
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, Jesus Christ.
Lord,
We offer you thanks and praise this Easter morning, and we beseech you to lift the veil from our eyes, and ears, and hearts. Tear the shroud, lift the veil so we might see your resurrection life at work in our midst, and know that in you we have the assurance of our own resurrection. In the dawning and blooming of spring, in your beautiful 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.
Lord, as we all wrestle with the doubts, frustrations and temptations, and the 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.”.
King Jesus,
When we are shaken by the tribulations of our time, of our own lives, 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. The tomb is empty. The Christ is on the loose, the Servant King reigns. Lift the veil, pour into our ears, and mark our hearts with your words for us, your children:
“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 your Creator
I am the breath and author of life
I am the author and perfecter of your faith
I am the Word made flesh, for you
I am the fulfillment of the Law, for you
I am the Lamb of God, and I am the Lion of the tribe of Judah
I am your atonement and I am your righteousness
I am your Sabbath rest
I am the friend and pardoner of sinners
I am your restorer and reconciler
I am your priest, most high
I am the raiser of the dead and the killer of death
I am Jesus Christ the crucified
I am Jesus Christ the Lord of Lords
I am Jesus Christ the King of Kings
I am your savior.
Because…
I am Jesus Christ The Risen
I am Jesus Christ The Living
Go and shout it, the tomb is empty, the risen Christ is on the loose, your Servant King reigns and He reigns forever.
AMEN.