🔔
I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Thou, O Lord, hast freed us from the fear of death.
Thou has made the end of this life the beginning to us of true life.
Thou hast saved us from the curse and from sin
having become both for our sakes.*
Thou hast broken the heads of the dragon
who had seized us with his jaws,
in the yawning gulf of disobedience.
Thou hast shown us the way of resurrection,
having broken the gates of hell,
and brought to nought him who had the power of death - the devil. *
Thou hast given a sign to those that fear thee
in the symbol of the holy cross
to destroy the adversary and save our life.
- St. Macrina
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
🔔
Scriptural Theme
Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
🔔
Praying John 5:19-25 (New International Version)
Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.
Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. *
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live." *
Response to the Scripture
We are not afraid, Lord Jesus! We believe the Father sent you for our redemption and, trusting in you, we will live and reign with you forever.
Draw near to 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. *
Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
🔔
Ending Prayer
O my soul, be mindful of that awesome day, and wake up and light your lamp with the oil of joy, for you do not know when the voice will call upon you saying: "Behold, the Bridegroom is coming."
So, take heed, my soul, not to fall asleep, lest you stand outside knocking like the five foolish virgins. But watch, entreating that you may meet Christ the Lord with rich oil, and He may grant you the wedding of His true and heavenly glory. *
- The Agpeya of the Coptic Church
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 5: Easter Bridge Prayer – “Jesus Our Bridegroom King” )