Sunday Prayers: Luke 24:13–35

Easter prayers exploring the early teaching of Hippolytus of Rome

Call to Worship

One: We come in worship, seeking God’s guidance and love.
All: Fill us with the Spirit, to restore our faith and our hope in God’s presence.
One: Although we are well-intended, we need God’s word to renew our direction and commitment.
All: Strengthen our hearts to follow God’s way.
One: God calls us to support each other and draw on the example of those who went before.
All: Comfort us, with the truth of God’s love throughout the ages.
One: In worship, let us bring God into our hearts.
All: In worship, let us affirm our love of God and God’s love for us.

Opening Prayer

Gracious God,
Welcome us now and nourish our hearts, that we may more fully accept you and your teaching. Through your immeasurable sacrifice for us, renew our lives and bring us closer to your way. Deepen our faith and make us more deserving of your generous love. Fill us with joy and life, so that we may share your love with others, praising you and serving you in all we say and do. Let our lives be a blessing to others and a testament to your enduring grace. Amen.

Offering Prayer

Welcoming God,
Receive our hearts and fill us with your Spirit, that we may be able to offer ourselves in service to you. Strengthen us when our resolve weakens and we put ourselves first. Awaken us to recognize the needs around us, of others struggling to get by. Make us a community of love and service, joining with the efforts and energy of all those who strive to make your children whole.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

Gracious Lord Jesus, ever-loving God,

Receive our hopes, O Lord, and fill us with your Spirit.
Guide us to stay true to your teaching. Encourage us to support those around us with your love.

Receive our fears, O Lord, and fill us with your Spirit.
Sustain us when the world confronts us with anger. Reassure us when we worry we are not enough, or do not have enough.

Receive our dreams, O Lord, and fill us with your Spirit.
Nurture us to recognize your purpose and the places we can help. Lighten our souls to trust in your abiding love.

Receive our grief, O Lord, and fill us with your Spirit.
Comfort us through times of loss and pain. Restore to us our hope in each day.

Receive our shame, O Lord, and fill us with your Spirit.
Forgive us for the hurt we cause. Humble us to set aside our pride and repair the rifts we create.

Receive our joy, O Lord, and fill us with your Spirit.
Encourage us to see you when we delight in the world. Remind us of your presence and awaken us to the miracles in each day.

Strengthen and nourish our hearts, and join us to your love, that we are renewed to serve and to grow. Mix our desire to care with your grace to forgive and from this newly mixed cup, send forth a balm to heal our world.
Amen.

Benediction

Receive the love and mercy of God in your hearts.
Let the Spirit strengthen and sustain you in each day.
Accept the peace and compassion of Christ, making you worthy of the blessings of God’s eternal grace.
Now and forever, Amen.