Our prayer is simple: that in the same way you raised Jesus to newness of life, you will resurrect us, too.

We claim the promise of resurrection to eternal life when our time on earth is done, but we also come asking you to resurrect us even now.

From the death of our apathy, resurrect our passion.
From the death of cold-heartedness, resurrect our compassion.
From the death of dishonesty, resurrect our integrity.

In our homes may you turn discord into harmony. May you turn isolation into closeness, bitterness into forgiveness. In our community and our world, may you bring peace out of war. May you bring abundance out of starvation. May you bring safety out of danger.

Hear our prayers, O God, for those here today who have little in the way of a relationship with you, but who are wondering if there can be more, who are seeking to understand better what faith is all about. May this Sunday bring them a glimpse of who they can be through your power.

Hear our prayers, O God, for those who grieve. May this Sunday bring them hope and consolation as they remember that there will come a time of reunion.

Hear our prayers, O God, for those who are sick. May your transforming power bring them hope for healing. And if healing does not come in the way we and they would wish, may your resurrecting power assure them of healing and transformation beyond this life.

Finally, O God, we pray for this church. We ask that in this world of darkness you would help us to reflect the light of Easter's love. Help us to become followers of Christ more interested in serving that being served, followers of Christ more interested in giving than getting, followers of Christ more interested in loving than being loved.

Amen.

Copyright © 2004 Broadway Baptist Church