A Prayer for Friday

Lord God,

Jesus cried out to you on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” You seemed so far from his cry and from his distress. Those who stood at the foot of the cross wondered where you were, as they saw Jesus mocked and shamed and killed. Where were you then?

Lord God,

We, too, ask where you are, when there is trouble and suffering and death, and we cry out to you for help. Be near to us, and save us so that we may praise you for your deliverance.

Lord God,

We wait, on Friday, for the resurrection of Sunday. Sometimes our lives seem a succession of Fridays, and we cannot see what is “Good.” Teach us to call your name as Jesus did. Make us trust in you like little children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Rachel Marie Stone

Prayer of Victory II

Lord Jesus Christ, I rejoice and rejoice continually in Your glorious and triumphant victory over death. For Your victory is my victory. Help me to live by it, in it, and for it. I am grateful to my depths – grateful forever. Amen.

– Selwyn Hughes

Prayer of Victory I

Father, Thank You for the miracle of life – abundant life here, and eternal life with You in Heaven. Help me celebrate that life every day as I seek You and follow Your plan for my life. Today, I say with the Apostle Paul, “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?”

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Mary Southerland

A Resurrection Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have a new life with you. Thank you that you had a plan, that you made a way.

We confess our need for you … fresh … new … again. We ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your refreshing over us.

Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. When the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rearguard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set your way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to the world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

Thank you, God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Debbie McDaniel

Easter Sunday Prayer

Lord God,

You loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son that we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice. Let us have eyes that look upon your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell your good news to the world. All for your glory do we pray, Lord, Amen.

– Rachel Marie Stone

On the Way to Emmaus

When Jesus was at the table with the two disciples he walked with on the road to Emmaus, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24.30-32)

How many times during worship or during fellowship with friends and family have we not recognized Jesus in our midst?