🔔
I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
God in Heaven, I belong to you. I am your child. You have set me free from the bondage to sin. I consider myself dead to sin and alive to You. I present myself, my body and my mind, to you.
Your Son, my Savior Jesus Christ, has won my freedom through his death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave. *
Therefore,
I am under the authority, the dominion, of grace.
I am not a slave. I am a child, an heir.
Therefore,
I will walk in hope and freedom and self-control.
I will follow your Holy Spirit, to the best of my ability, putting to death the deeds of the flesh and seeking to walk in the obedience of a child of God. *
Grant me all the resources I will need for this day. I trust in you to hear and answer me.
- Geno Hildebrandt
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
🔔
Scriptural Theme
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
🔔
Praying the Scripture
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.*
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
- 1 Corinthians 15:12-24 (New International Version)
Response to the Scripture
Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting? Death has been swallowed up in victory - forever.
Draw near God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
🔔
The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
🔔
Ending Prayer
We glory in your cross, O Lord, and praise you for your mighty resurrection; *
for by virtue of your cross joy has come into our world.
God be gracious to us and bless us *
and make his face shine upon us.
Let your ways be made known on earth *
your liberating power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God *
let all the peoples praise you.
We glory in your cross, O Lord, and praise you for your mighty resurrection; *
for by virtue of your cross joy has come into our world.
Almighty God, as we stand at the foot of the cross of your Son, may we know your love for us, that in humility, love and joy we may place at his feet all that we have and all that we are; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
- Oremus - the Labarum Collection
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.