An order of Worship for the time of Easter.

This service was compiled by Shanta Premawardhana and Yvette Milosevic



Morning Prayer for Monday, 31 March, 2008

Welcome and Call to Worship

Leader: Eyes exposed to the suffering of Christ in all humanity,
may we see your promise in the Empty Tomb.

May we see beauty before us.
All: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Voice 1: Ears may we hear the love song of your Word.

May we hear beauty behind us.
All: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Voice 2: Lips burning from the bitter tang of rejection,

may we taste the sweetness of your decisive Claim in our lives.

May we taste beauty above us.
All: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Voice 3: Hands bloodied from lifting the Body broken,

may we touch the strength of the risen One.

May we touch beauty below us.
All: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Voice 4: Noses numb from the rancid odor of decay,

may we smell the fragrance of the Gardener’s flowers.

May we smell beauty around us.
All Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Voice 5: Opened fully to the experience of despair, may we know the beauty of Resurrection. May we experience beauty within us.
All: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Leader: Christ is risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed!

Song Agape 72 Tenemos Esperanza

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-25 (An Adaptation) © 2001 Nathan Nettleton

G1: Thank you, LORD, thank you!
Thank you for your goodness!
Thank you for your love — .rock solid and timeless!
May all your people recognize that your love and loyalty last forever.

G2: Our energy and strength come from you, LORD;
our peace and safety were won by you.
The sound of singing rings out
from the homes of all who are honest and true.
They sing of what you have done, LORD,
for you raised your hand and saved the day.

G1: Now we know that our lives are safe;
we will live to tell of what you have done.
You gave us the tough medicine we deserved, LORD,
but you didn’t let death get its claws into us.

G2: Thank you for answering our prayers, LORD;
for coming to our rescue and putting us right.
From a rejected stone found in a rubbish pile you cut and polished a priceless jewel.
This is obviously your work, LORD, and we can hardly believe our eyes!

All: Today is your day, LORD, the day you have made,
we will celebrate with joy and laughter.

Glory to God

Gospel Reading John 20: 19-22

When it was evening of that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

Alleluia

Sermon by Rev. Shanta Premawhardhana

An Easter Affirmation
All: We believe in God --
who works in the hidden stillness of every dawn;
who beckons us to visit the tomb of our fears so we might discover the birth of hope;
who sends recurring dreams, fragrant flowers, good friends and bright angels
with messages of joy and possibility.
We believe in Jesus, the risen Christ --
who meets us on every path;
who greets us with respect, names and calms our fears, and bids us walk and talk as
children of the Light;
who is always going before us into our workplace and playspace.
We believe in the Holy Spirit --
who gathers us into a kindred community;
who works through the lame and the late, the wrinkled and the newborn, the
hurting and the hopeful;
who nudges our prayers, kindles our longings and prompts our praise.
We believe we are called to be Easter people --
challenging despair with glowing hope, acting peacefully in the midst of painful
good Fridays, and living joyfully even in the midst of harsh realities.
We believe in the church --
the hand holding, hearty singing, passionate and caring fellowship of
seekers and finders.
This we believe.

Intercessions

L: We bring to God
someone whom we remember today and for whom we want to pray

(followed by a moment of silence and then a sung response, Ya, Tuhanku)

L: We bring to God
the people and the churches of Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore
We give thank for the religious and cultural diversity in these countries and pray for the protection and encouragement of religious freedom.

(followed by a moment of silence and then a sung response, Ya, Tuhanku)

L: We bring to God
Those who are persecuted for their faith, or those who have lost their faith,
…

L: We bring to God
our colleagues at this Ecumenical Centre,
especially those who are sick or grieving
…

L: We bring to God, silently,
someone whom we find hard to forgive or trust
…

L: We bring ourselves to God
that we might grow in generosity of spirit,
clarity of mind,
and warmth of affection.

The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

L: God of power,
may the boldness or your Spirit transform us,
may the gentleness of your Spirit lead us,
may the gifts of your Spirit equip and refresh us
and send us forth into the world with a passion for service.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
All: Amen.

Song: Agape 56 May the Love of the Lord