A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Monday, April 1, 2024

Sunday (March 31/Easter) Pastoral Prayer


March 31, 2024
Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC

O God, just as our worship service began by proclaiming, “Alleluia,” we continue to sing our “Alleluias” to you because Christ the Lord is risen today! Our lives will never be the same because of the good news of Easter. Sin and death have been defeated. And we are your Easter people!

 

May every Easter Lilly, every Easter basket, every Easter egg, every chocolate bunny, every jellybean remind us of the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.

 

When grief and heartache weigh heavy upon us, remind us of the good news of Easter.

 

When depression and worry overtake us, remind us of the good news of Easter.

 

When life’s challenges hit us hard, remind us of the good news of Easter.

 

When prayers feel like they are going unanswered, remind us of the good news of Easter.

 

When hopes and dreams have been shattered, remind us of the good news of Easter.

 

When our sins and guilt get the best of us, remind us of the good news of Easter.

 

When fear does everything it can possibly do to rob us of joy, remind us of the good news of Easter.

 

O God, open our hearts and minds so that will will notice and celebrate the reminders that you send our way of the good news of Easter.

 

Like this prayer that Jesus taught us to say together…

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 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. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

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