Prayer for peace

Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

I want to begin my message this week by expressing my thanks to everyone who assisted in our Easter Worship. I am aware of the efforts many people made to ensure our churches were cleaned, flowers provided, music and welcoming also key ingredients. We have all been on a steep learning curve and risen to the occasion despite the hiccups and the need to adapt our liturgy over the past two years.

Several people have asked for a copy of the sermons for the Easter period. I have not distributed them but if you would like a copy, please let me know via SMS text or email. I am happy to provide them.

The readings for the second Sunday of Easter feel like a bit of a time warp between two distinct periods in history. The Gospel of John is told in real-time, as we witness the disciples on the evening of Easter Sunday holed up in an upper room in great fear.  To grasp the Lord’s presence following the crucifixion, human senses must be employed, followed by a great dose of faith. As we continue to celebrate these great fifty days of Easter, we are encouraged to leave our rooms of fear, wrap ourselves in the love of the risen Christ, and boldly proclaim that Jesus is alive and will be with us until the end of the ages. Alleluia!

As we gather in the season of Easter, this Sunday we also observe St Mark, Evangelist and Martyr along with Anzac Day. I include a prayer here for the day.

“O God, as we remember the terrible cost of war including the loss of human life with many in our community still experiencing grief, pain and suffering, renew in us the spirit of the Easter season and the hope and longing for world peace.  We bring before this day and every moment of our awakening the people of Ukraine, Myanmar, Yemen, Syria and other troubled places across your creation. Encourage each of us always to strive for peace and seek to resolve conflict by dialogue and shared action. Amen.”

Blessings for the Easter Season.

Ray