Grace and peace from our Risen Lord and Savior,
On Easter Sunday we witnessed and celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Together we proclaimed the Good News saying, “Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!” In this proclamation, we are reminded of the blessed gift that we receive in Christ’s death and resurrection – the gift of salvation. The Good News is that death is not the end of the story, but the gift of a new beginning – new life in Christ.
As we enter the season of Eastertide, may we hold onto this hope and together unite our hearts in praying for the Church as we are called to go forth to proclaim and embody the resurrection power of our Lord. May this be our individual and communal prayer as we prepare our hearts, minds and bodies to do so:
“Spirit of Jesus
Come with fire that refines,
Water that refreshes,
Wind that topples,
Breath that fills.
Kindle a global revival of empathy, justice, and active peacemaking.
Birth a witness of Love that is bigger and better than we inherited.
Liberate us from privilege and oppression. Unshackle the gospel from nationalism, colonialism, and every other lens that shrouds the Good News.
Give us an abundance of grace for others and ourselves. Grant us compassion for those who suffer,
free us from the influence of money, power, and acclaim. Restore our reputation for caring for the poor,
loving our neighbors, being ambassadors of peace and stewards of the earth.
Encourage us, so we do not grow cynical, isolated, and burnt out. Fan our hopes, our joys, and our connections.
Allow us to rest when we need rest.
Enable us to see you in each person we encounter.
Show us mercy, in our humanity.
Let us love more fully than we thought possible. Let us not be quick on the draw, ready to retaliate, escalate, assassinate...
Let us persevere in creating safe places of worship to eat bread and drink the cup together.
Let us stand for Love and with Love, following
the way of your Son as best we’re able.
Let us hear your voice and tangibly feel you with us. Let us discern your guidance.
Let us abide in and with you.
Show us what you’re doing, so we can work together.
Move where you will, when you will, in whatever way you will. Come, Holy Spirit, and restore your Church and world. Amen.”**
May the resurrection power set our hearts on fire to go forth to proclaim the Good News of the resurrection through our lives in this world! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Jenn
**From the book “A Rhythm of Prayer” edited by Sarah Bessey. A Prayer for the Church is an excerpt from “The Holy Is Here, Present with me: a Guided Meditation” by Rev. Emily Swan