Fields United Methodist Church

A Prayer for Easter

2021

Rev. Tom Joyce

Eternal and gracious God, you have offered us a new and glorious life through the resurrection of your son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the midst of uncertain times, we need the power of the resurrection in our lives more than ever. Lord, this past year has been a challenge for so many people; loss of loved ones, pandemic, COVID, isolation, inability to visit loved ones, especially in times of greatest need, and many other events and circumstances that have tried our souls.  On this day, we give you our eternal thanks and praise as you have offered us new and abundant life and hope fulfilled through your promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age made real by your empty tomb. Help us, as your beloved people, to let go of those things that keep us entombed.  Cleanse our souls that we may be fully alive by your grace. We pray that by your amazing grace there would be an end to hatred of all kinds, violence, and self-serving motives. We pray for our great nation and its leaders that the grace and power you offer them will call them to lead with your message of new life, hope, peace, and joy with every decision that is made. We pray that all may come to love you and their neighbor with all that they do, say, and think. Lord, we pray for those who are sick and those caring for, and supporting those who are sick. We pray for those who mourn, that this day they are given affirmation of everlasting life for those they have lost in this life. We pray for those who are isolated and alone, homeless, hungry, excluded, and marginalized. We pray that all people are seen as your beloved creation, no matter the color of their skin, ethnicity, or any other classification we tend to create for others. Lord, help us to be more like you in thought, word and deed. May this day of resurrection give us hope, and a zeal for life that is contagious. May your living, eternal Word that is Jesus Christ, resurrect our lives and transform the world around us; help us to forever live in your light, enlivened by your grace now and forever. Thank you Lord, for the gift you offer us this day, a gift that can never be broken or taken away.  Empower us by your Holy Spirit to be transformed by your grace that we may be a beacon of light and hope to all people.  In the name of our Resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, amen.