Invitation to be Raised by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl
Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer/prayers written by Rev Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl) appreciated.
Luke 24:1-12 and Psalm 118: 17, 21-24 or Psalm 118:20
Call to Worship/Opening Prayer
Option A: Gospel
Bring us to your place of resurrection, Lord.
Perplex us. Terrify us. Make us remember.
Send us out to tell the good news.
Bring us back to see for ourselves.
Amaze us by what has happened, and by what continues to happen.
Make us your resurrection people.
Option B: Gospel
We are perplexed when Christ Jesus is not in the tomb.When confronted by your messengers, we are moved to worship.They tell us we are looking for the living among the dead and testify to who Jesus is and what he has promised.Confront us. Speak to us. Fulfill your promises to us.Embolden us to carry Easter news to the world:Christ is risen! ALL: Christ is risen indeed!
Option C: Psalm
I shall not die, but I shall live
I shall recount the deeds of the Lord.
I thank you that you have answered me and become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing
It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Prayer of Confession
God, many times we do not pay attention to the tales of what you do. We think they are idle nonsense, full of wishful thinking and overactive imaginings. We are afraid to believe them. We don’t want to be ridiculed or disappointed. When we do not see you, we think that you are missing-in-action. We expect death and tombs, not resurrection and new life. Often we do not remember what you have promised or what you have done. We think that you acted in other times and place, not our own, or we want to be in charge of how and when and why you are act. Forgive us, Lord, and help our unbelief.
Easter Litany
(Possibly for Communion)
One; On this Easter morning,
Many: on this day of resurrection,
ALL: O Lord, raise us up.
One: As Jesus rose up from the grave.
Many: and Peter rose up to go and see
ALL: O Lord, raise us up.
One: Raise us up to the surface
Many: where we can breathe.
One; Raise us up to the mountain
Many: where you can be seen and heard.
ALL: O Lord, raise us up.
One: Raise us up from the tomb
Many: renouncing the old life in favor of the new.
One: Raise us up in mutiny against the powers of evil
Many: resisting hate and injustice.
One: Raise us up in rebellion against all that would separate and divide
Many: Straighten us up in the face of overwhelming threats
ALL O Lord, raise us up.
One: Raise us up from death.
Many: Raise us up with your burgeoning life.
One: Raise us up with your effervescent Spirit.
Many: As your resurrection people
ALL: O Lord, raise us up.
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