In the planning notes, it was suggested that the worship team consider Christmas themes for this week’s worship experience. The issue is incarnation, the divine putting on flesh and dwelling among us. The result of this is that our existence and our experience is honored and blessed by this. Our lives matter, our bodies matter, we matter to God. That’s a part of what Paul’s argument results in.

The other part, of course, is to lift up Jesus Christ, as the example of faith and the hope for life eternal that begins today. Let this be a celebration of the possibility and that hope.

Prayer of Intercession

Sisters and brothers,
let us lift our hearts in faith
to the one who hears all prayers
and holds close all those in need.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Holy God, you gather the whole universe
into your radiant presence
and continually reveal your Son as our Savior.
Bring healing to all wounds,
make whole all that is broken,
speak truth to all illusion,
and shed light in every darkness,
that all creation will see your glory and know your Christ. Amen.

https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=112.

Prayer of Confession

Heavenly Father, we confess that we come to this day of resurrection as imperfect people. Although we may have faith, we also carry doubts and apprehensions. Just as Jesus’s disciples were unsure of his presence with them, we are unsure of your presence with us. We go out into a world of demands without the full confidence that you are our guide and our sustainer, and we are too often motivated by our own shortcomings and anxieties than by your grace and love. Forgive us and help us to see your Holy Spirit’s work in all things. We pray these things in the name of Jesus, who returned to his disciples despite their own faults, and we ask that you hear us as we continue our confession in silence…

Allen Thompson, on The Pastor’s Workshop, https://thepastorsworkshop.com/prayers-of-confession-on-resurrection.

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, You shattered the power of sin and death. We celebrate Him! But we confess we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by ways that lead to death. We come, asking You to forgive our sin and eradicate evil in the world; by Your Word and Spirit, purify the good, and raise us from death to a life more abundant and free. Transform us into faithful followers of Jesus Christ, the One who rules the world and is Head of the Church. This we pray in the Name of our Risen Lord, Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, on The Pastor’s Workshop, https://thepastorsworkshop.com/prayers-of-confession-on-resurrection.

Peace Within

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

St. Therèse of Lisieux and St. Theresa of Avila, https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/morning-and-new-beginnings-prayers.