Ride on King Jesus: A Gathering Litany for Ascension Day

One: Let us gather as they gathered on the Mount of Olivet.
Let us remember the teachings of the law, psalms, and prophets.

Many: Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder you!

One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rose into heaven.
Let us remember that every sin has been forgiven.

Many: Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder you!

One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rode upon the clouds.
Let us remember how he promised that we'd be clothed in power.

Many: Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder you!

One: Let us gather as they gathered upon a hill so high.
Let us remember the ascension of our Messiah.

Many: Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder you!

An Affirmation for Ascension Day
(Based on Ephesians 1:15-22)

I believe in God, the Father of glory
Who by great power resurrected Jesus from the dead;
Giving us hope in the high calling of a heavenly inheritance;
And who is revealed in the immeasurable greatness of Jesus Christ;
Allowing us to know God's own self through the Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe in Jesus Christ
Who suffered and died for our sins
Who rose from the dead and rose up into heaven
Who sits at the right hand of the Father,
Whose name is above every name,
Whose authority is above all authority,
Whose power and dominion are above all power and dominion,
Who reigns now and throughout every age.

I believe in the Holy Spirit
Who gives us wisdom and the ability to love one another,
Who enables us to believe and empowers us to be the church,
The body of Christ, indwelling and filling us with power,
And with the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Amen.

The Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton is the Lead Editor for African American Resources at the United Methodist Publishing House, and she pastors the Emery United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.