Whether you call it Easter or Resurrection Sunday, I hope you are experiencing the blessings of believing. I think back to Easter a year ago. I was so proud and thankful to be able to prepare a simple, yet special, holiday meal for Dave, Kyle, and myself. We ate with grateful hearts, having come through the tough weeks after my back surgery. This year it seems good to sit down to the same menu, right down to the Orange Jello and Dream Whip. Today we were not able to be in our church sanctuary, rejoicing with friends, celebrating as a congregation of God’s people. I struggled with that, especially when I couldn’t get our computer or social media to work exactly the way I wanted them to. Sigh. Still, JESUS IS ALIVE, today and every day, whether the sun shines or not, whether our trials end or continue. HE HAS RISEN!
For the fourth time, please pray with me a Sunday prayer:
Because you live, I can face tomorrow.
Because you live, all fear is gone.
Because I know you hold the future,
Life is worth the living just because you live.
Unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable God, we come to you today from a place we did not anticipate being in, during a time that is full of uncertainty. There is so much that we are unable to control. But you are in control! You are not surprised by this crisis and you know how it will end. You are eternal, powerful, and righteous. You have proven your love for us by giving your only Son’s life to ransom us from sin, rescue us from death, and redeem us for your kingdom. We pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.”
During these days, Lord, there is much suffering. Not only coronavirus, but cancer and other diseases are taking lives. We praise you Jesus for coming and living among us, healing the sick, raising the dead, giving worth to all people, exhibiting humility, giving us a taste of God’s kingdom. You understand our doubts. With patience, you proved to “doubting” Thomas that you are alive and then you spoke of us who would be blessed for believing without seeing. We can be assured, even now, that if we have accepted your gift of salvation, we have already crossed over from death to life!
We praise you, the Lord of life, for a day is coming when death will be destroyed, swallowed up in victory. You have gone to prepare a place for us, a place with no more crying and no more pain. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. We pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus.
Amen.
