After the travelers on the Emmaus road were conveying their extraordinary story about meeting the risen Lord, he suddenly stood in the midst of the apostolic company. This both startled and frightened them, and they supposed that Jesus was in fact a spirit. Jesus asked them to inspect his hands and feet, to see that he was truly himself. He encouraged them to touch him and see that he has flesh and bones, something that no spirit would have. While they still “disbelieved for joy,” with a mixture of confusion and marveling, he asked them if they had anything to eat in the room. They gave the Lord a piece of broiled fish, which he took and ate before them all.
After this he assured them that, just like he had told them, everything written about him in the Hebrew Bible (i.e., the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms) must be fulfilled. Luke states that our Lord then “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (v. 45). He then said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (vv. 46-48). Jesus again revealed himself alive to his disciples, testifying that his resurrection was prophesied in the Scriptures, which most certainly had been fulfilled in their midst. Now, they would testify of his resurrection and its biblical fulfillment to all nations, starting in Jerusalem.
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the surety and truth of your Word. In your Scriptures you have testified about the coming of your anointed one, the Messiah, whom we know Jesus of Nazareth to be. He has risen from the dead, just as it has been testified in the Scriptures, and we cling to that Word and the apostles’ eyewitness testimony to our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. Thank you for your Word which you confirmed in raising Jesus from the dead.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
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, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 4 Acts*: Acts 3.12-19 Gospel: Luke 24.36b-48 NT: 1 John 3.1-7 * During Eastertide, a reading from Acts is often substituted for the lesson from the Hebrew Bible. Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Affirmation from the Psalms
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; [2] I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. [3] On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
~ Psalm 138.1-3
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Thank you, God of all truth, for everything that the Scriptures have promised concerning you and your work that will be fulfilled.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Thus It Is Written
Luke 24.36b-48Book Discussion: Monday, April 9, 2018