Worship and Devotions

Second Sunday of Easter

April 27, 2025

In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus' victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.

Music

That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright

That Easter Day with Joy was Bright - Hymn Sing Along with Lyrics (ELW 384)

Prayer of the Day

O God of life, you reach out to us amid our fears with the wounded hands of your risen son. By your spirit's breath revive our faith in your mercy and strengthen us to be the body of your son, Jesus Christ, our savior and lord, who lives and reigns with you and the holy spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings

Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 150; Revelation 1:4-8

John 20:19-31

Sermon

https://youtu.be/JbDeCIa0k0U?si=C2_AfahHlwGWYp45

Music

The Risen Christ

The Risen Christ - Elw 390

Prayers of Intercession

God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

Inspire the church with the breath of your Holy Spirit, that we sing the good news of the resurrection. Inspire deacons and pastors, lay leaders and bishops to boldly proclaim your love for all people. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Preserve the earth as a safe home for all creatures. Restore habitats contaminated by pollution or overuse, strengthen efforts to shape more sustainable communities, and make us mindful of the impacts of our daily lives on the well-being of creation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Kindle in the nations a spirit of cooperation and mutual care. Raise up creative and courageous leaders committed to shaping just solutions to complex challenges in our local and global communities especially to the conflicts between Israel and Hamas, between Russia and Ukraine, and between Israel, Palestine and Gaza. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Transform our fear into curiosity and love, especially across differences in race, religion, sexuality, gender identity, and economic situation. Unravel stereotypes that lead to discrimination and destroy oppressive systems that marginalize vulnerable communities. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Almighty God, we lift before you all those candidates running for election to the Parliament of Canada. Help them to understand that election as an MP is to be used, not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of all the people. Help us as voters to choose trustworthy MPs and leaders who will make wise decisions for the common life and use their authority to serve all of the people of Canada faithfully. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Embrace all who carry wounds that they might know your compassion. Draw near to those with chronic pain or anxiety, and all for whom death draws near. Comfort and heal individuals and communities suffering in any way. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creator God, we give you thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis. We give you thanks for his commitment to the poor, for his messages of peace, and for his commitment to care for the planet. We remember how he washed feet, laughed with the children, and greeted everyone he met with kindness and compassion. We pray for the Roman Catholic Church as people mourn his passing and prepare to elect a new Pope. Give your comfort and your blessing to your children around the world. Guide the election process with your Spirit, so that the church can follow your lead in the years to come. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We remember the faithful departed from all times and places. Confident that you are the Alpha and Omega, we pray for your wisdom and guidance until our earthly pilgrimage is complete. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you are always with us, in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.

Amen.

Music

The Peace Of The Lord

The Peace Of The Lord - Elw 646