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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)
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Scriptural Theme
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying John 3:27-36 (New International Version)
To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less."
The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. *
Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them.
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
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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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.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 5: Easter Bridge Prayer – “Jesus Our Bridegroom King” )