Prayers for the 5th Sunday of Easter (May 10-16, 2020)

The Watchword for the week:

Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

We should praise the Lord at our rising, and at the setting of the sun.
May we share our faith and sing God’s praise through the living of each moment this day.

Psalm 31:1-5,15-16

1 In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.

2 Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.

3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

15 My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
16 Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.

Together, let us confess our wandering steps:

We, your disciples, have often dishonored the holy name that we bear, and we have turned aside from that path of holiness and loving service in which you have called us to follow. We are sorry that we often attempt to satisfy our need for treasures and pleasures in ways that will not bring us deep happiness and purpose in life, and cause us to walk away from you. Guide us to seek to abide in your love and share your graceful presence with those around us.

Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.

Take time now to read today’s Moravian Daily Texts. If you don’t have a Text Book, you can find today’s texts and the prayer in the column to the right of the page (if you are using a mobile device, it might be at the bottom of this page). Don’t rush over them as a task to be completed.  These are the words that God would have you to cherish for this day. These are words that could transform your life if you allow them to, so read slowly and deliberately.  Pause at words or phrases that happen to catch your spirit, for these are places where God might be speaking to you. When you have finished with the Daily Texts, take time to pray for the things that are upon your heart, for the needs of those you love, and for the needs of a hurting world.  Know that your time of prayer can help you to clarify where God would want you to focus your energy. When you are ready, continue with the prayer as follows:

In one voice, we pray together:

Creator of the heavens and earth, we praise your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. We know that you have created us to be holy, and ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. Your created world is sacred, your glory and power are displayed in beautiful ways; we give thanks for the blessings of our lives, even as we seek to live into the eternity of yours. Amen.

The Festival Doxology:

Unto the Lamb that was slain,
And has redeemed us out of all nations of the earth;
Unto the Lord who purchased our souls for himself;
Unto that friend who loved us, and washed us from our sins by his blood;

Who died for us once,
That we might die unto sin;
Who rose for us,
That we might also rise;

Who ascended for us into heaven,
To prepare a place for us;
And to whom are subjected the angels, and powers, and dominions; to him be glory at all times,
In the Church which waits for him, and in that church which is around him from everlasting to everlasting. Amen.