Easter Worship Prayers - Easter Sunday - 08 April

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Youth:             All over the Earth, Christians are joyfully declaring that Christ is Risen!

People:           He is risen indeed!  

Youth:              Jesus, Savior of the World, we worship and adore You. We honor and glorify You forever. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                          Almighty King and Everlasting Savior, this is Your Holy Day and we are thankful to be called Your people. You are the Righteous Son of God and our Eternal Lord. You are the King of all Creation and the Ruler of the Universe. You have overcome sin and death, bringing promises of life and love to us that last forever.
People:                       Precious Jesus, we caused Your wounds at Calvary because we are sinful people. We crucified You to the Cross because of our stubborn, rebellious, and selfish ways. Gracious Lord, forgive our foolish mistakes and grave errors. Pardon our hurtful words and shameful deeds. Hear us now as we confess to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:              Victorious Savior, Your blood has cleansed our sinful souls. Your sacrifice has restored us to God’s favor. Without You, our lives are wasted. With You, our hopes are made eternal. We bring these prayers in Your Holy Name and unite our spirits to You, by saying "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:              Jesus is the Only One who can save our souls from everlasting destruction. His Name alone has the power to forgive our sins and to release us from death and despair. Let us rejoice and celebrate the victory of our Lord and King forevermore. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung in unison): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. God establishes our world and sustains our lives.

People:           Eternal God, we are finite and frail, in need of help, healing, and wholeness. We lift up our voices of prayer to You, from our unsettled hearts and troubled minds.

Pastor:             Mighty Redeemer, have mercy upon us and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. We also bring to You our families and friends, colleagues and neighbors who need Your Loving touch and holy healing. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor:             The LORD is merciful and holy; just and faithful. He hears our prayers in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

                        (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 93)

Unison Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:           Holy Spirit, impact our lives with the power of the Gospel. Let the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection bring joy to our souls. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. 

Scripture Readings

The Message & Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication(unison):   Lord Jesus, You have given everything for our salvation. You have sacrificed Your life so that we may live forever in God’s eternal presence. We can never repay the debt that we owe You, but we can support the work and ways of Your church with our tithes and gifts. Take this offering and bless it, so that others may hear the Gospel, through the preaching of the Word and the glorifying of God’s Name. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the almighty and amazing love of the Father, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude