Fields United Methodist Church

An Easter Prayer

April 12, 2020

Lord, our resurrected Savior, we need you; we need the hope, joy, and the peace of your eternal love today. Your empty tomb offers us the affirmation that the void in our souls will be filled with your very presence; we give you thanks and praise for another chance at life, an opportunity to see the world through your eyes, holy, grace-filled and joyous. There is hope, and our hope is you; you conquered the grave so we may live enlivened by your Spirit. This day as we offer our praise and thanks, we also lift up to your loving embrace those who are struggling through this world pandemic; those have lost loved ones, those who are sick, those in the medical field, essential services, and first responders who are putting their health and life on the line in the care of others. We also pray wisdom and courage for our community, national, and international leaders during this time of crisis. We pray for the scientific community that they use the gifts received from you to find a cure for this and so many other diseases that rob your people of their health. Lord, so many are struggling, scared and unsure; offer them your comfort and presence as well. We pray for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones; may they take hope and assurance that because you live, those they have lost are forever alive in spirit and basking in your eternal presence free from pain and suffering. We pray for those who daily witness your Good News; keep them strong in faith. Lord, we pray that the same eternal love and power of the resurrection permeate the souls of all people, that because of you there will be a day that hatred, violence and all things that strain relationships and divide your people will come to an end. May your love serve as a beacon of light to our world that needs you so much, now more than ever. May we as your children, created in your image, live out the love that you have shared with us, even more completely loving you and our neighbor. May there be more respect for all those you have created, whoever they may be. Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, equip and empower us to accept your gift of life today, and may we live always from the perspective of your resurrection, bathed in the love you have shared with us and have called us to share, to your glory.  Amen

A blessed and joyous Easter to everybody! He is Risen indeed!

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Fields United Methodist Church