Service video:
Call to Worship
We need your presence on the long road, Lord.
The road between fear and hope,
the road between the place where all is lost
and the place of resurrection.
Like the disciples walking the road to Emmaus,
we are in need of your company!
Jesus, stand among us, in your risen power.
~ written by Carol Penner, and posted on Leading in Worship. http://carolpenner.typepad.com/
Opening Prayer — Easter Affirmation
Your light is the only light we need
as we travel through life’s mystery
Your word the only voice we hear
that still small voice that leads us
to the place where we should be
Your presence is the only company we need
as we walk this narrow road
Your fellowship the warmth we crave
to help us on our way
May the truth of Easter
The joy of Easter
And the blessings of Easter
Be with us this day and all days
Amen
— written by John Birch, and posted on his Faith and Worship website. http://www.faithandworship.com/
Offering Prayer
Like the disciples at Emmaus,
we offer what we have.
They offered their company,
their table, their bread.
We invite you to be with us, Jesus,
as we offer you our love,
our devotion, these gifts.
May our eyes be opened
to your holy presence among us,
now and always. Amen.
~ written by Carol Penner, and posted on Leading in Worship. http://carolpenner.typepad.com/leadinginworship/
Prayer of Intercession
You come to us
In unexpected places,
In a crowded room,
In a journey on a dusty road,
In conversation,
In the stillness.
You come in the midst of our doubt, our fear, our sorrow
You come in the power of the resurrection
No pain and suffering is unknown to you.
You bring us peace
And we pray for the places where there is no peace
Countries torn by war
Refugees seeking homes
Prisoners facing torture
You bring peace
Peace to the tensions and conflicts within us
To the regrets, the failure,
The broken relationships
The lost friendships
You bring peace
For you are a friend to us
When we are alone
When we are lonely
Unseen you are there
You bring us peace
And we pray that we too
may become peacemakers.
~ written by Susan Miller, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/
Words of Commission and Benediction
(inspired by Luke 24:13-35)
Go now as those who have met with Christ
Go now as those whose hearts have burned within them,
Go now as those who have been touched by resurrection.
And may the blessing of God
be upon you, body, mind and spirit,
now and always,
Amen.
~ adapted from Ann Siddall, and posted on the website of the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre. http://www.stillpointsa.org.au/