“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”

Psalm 118 was a processional psalm, sung during the Passover festival on the ritual journey through the gates of Jerusalem and up to the temple. Words that Jesus most likely recited in the hours before His betrayal and death.

“I have seen the Lord”

It was Jewish custom to visit the grave of a loved one for three days after burial. Mary visited as soon as the Sabbath restrictions were over. This is a story that needs no elaboration. It speaks for itself. It truly is a story of transformation in the garden from grief, through encounter, to joy: “I have seen the Lord.”

PREPARING FOR PRAYER

May the joy of this day change our lives,
And may the transforming love
Which brought Jesus back from the dead
Be abroad in our world and in our lives
To the glory of your great and wonderful name. (Clifford Wilton)

Lord, draw us to Your Cross which brings forgiveness:
That we may be cleansed.

Lord, draw us to Your Cross which brings healing:
That we may be whole.

Lord, draw us to Your Cross which brings hope:
That we may have faith.

Lord, draw us to Your Cross which brings love:
That we may have compassion.

Lord, draw us to Your Cross which brings light:
That we may have vision.

Lord, draw us to Your Cross which brings life:
That we may live for You. Amen. (Source unknown)

Because You are a risen Lord
we dare to believe
in life beyond death,
life which is the fulfilment
of the deepest longings of the heart.

Because You are a risen Lord
we dare to believe
that past failures
need not weigh us down;
that You free us from their burden
just as You freed Your disciples
from the burden of their failures
at that first Easter.

Because You are a risen Lord
we dare to ask for renewed strength
to live our lives
with You
and for You
starting now!

Because You are a risen Lord
we dare to believe
that in You we may find
the only life that really matters;
the only life that endures.
Lord, live in us
and we shall truly live. (Edmund Banyard)

Prayer of thanksgiving and intercession

Prayer by Richard Hughes, Prayers for the People

Lord Jesus Christ, risen from death
We praise you for changed lives and new hopes at Easter.
You came to Mary in the garden
And turned her tears into joy.

For your love and your mercy:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

You came to the disciples in the upper room
And turned their fear into courage.
For your love and your mercy:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

You came to the disciples by the lakeside
And turned their failure into faith.
For your love and your mercy:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

You came to the travellers on the Emmaus Road
And turned their despair into hope.
For your love and your mercy:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

You come to us in our unworthiness and shame
And turn our weakness into triumph.
For your love and your mercy:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

Lord Jesus
Wherever there are tears
Or fear, or failure,
Or despair, or weakness:
Come, reveal to us
Your love, your mercy,
And your risen power;
For the glory of your name.
Alleluia. Amen