21st Century Resources for the Second Sunday of Easter, Year C

Gathering Meditation
(John 20:19-31)

Unlock the doors of fear and doubt.
Let your faith spill into the streets!
Jesus is risen!
Death has no more claims on your life.
In life, in death, in life after death, Christ is your life.
Peace be with you.

Call to Worship
(Psalm 150)

One Voice: Praise the Lord!

Many Voices: Praise God in the sanctuary; praise God in the marketplace.

One Voice: Praise God for mighty deeds; praise God for greatness.

Many Voices: Praise God in the choir stand; praise God in the pews.

One Voice: Praise God with the sound of drums and cymbals.

Many Voices: Praise God with tambourine and stomping feet.

One Voice: Praise God with piano and guitar; praise God with organ and bass.

All: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Prayer
(John 20:19-31)

Today,
along with Brother Thomas
we confess that we are often slow to believe.

There are times that we refuse to believe unless we see the marks of Jesus’ nail-scarred hands…

Forgive us Lord… for the times we fail to recognize you in our midst.

(Silence)

Forgive us Lord… for demanding proof!

(Silence)

Forgive us Lord… for times when we would rather believe the shouts of Fear,
than the whispers of Faith.

(Silence)

Forgive us Lord and empower us to live lives of faith and witness.

(Silence)



Words of Assurance

Hear the Good News:
when Thomas doubted the reports of his closest friends,
Jesus continued in his love for Thomas and made it possible for him to have faith.
YOU walk in faith and confidence –
even when doubt rears its ugly head,
remembering that God has promised to be with you to the end of the age.

Selections taken from The Africana Worship Book Year C © Discipleship Resources, 2008. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.