Very early on the first day of the week following our Lord’s crucifixion, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus. When they arrived they saw that the very large stone had been rolled back. After entering the tomb, they saw a young man on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. The young man said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” After this, the women fled from the tomb, trembling and amazed, and spoke nothing of the incident to anyone, because they were frightened.
Mark’s terse, concise testimony of Jesus’ resurrection underscores the truth of our Lord’s rising from the dead. The testimony of the “young man” is clear: Jesus of Nazareth, the same one who was crucified, has risen, and is no longer dead. He would appear to his own, as promised, in Galilee, and now we must believe. We need not fear, as these first eyewitnesses of the resurrection did that amazing morning. Let us cling to the truth and proclaim it to all: Jesus of Nazareth has risen from the dead. He is risen, indeed!
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to His abundant mercy, hath begotten us from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us. Keep us this day, O God, by Thy power into salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost ever one God, liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.
~ 1 Peter 1.3-5, adopted; St. Peter, A.D. 60 (Fox, p. 226)
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.
Monday: 2 Sam. 22; Ps. 18
Lectionary Readings
Psalm: Ps. 118.1-2, 14-24 Acts*: Acts 10.34-43 Gospel: Mark 16.1-8 NT: 1 Cor. 15.1-11* During Eastertide, a reading from Acts is often substituted for the lesson from the Hebrew Bible. (Click here for all readings) 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.
~ Lindemann, p. 131
Affirmation from the Psalms
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. [10] For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. [11] You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
~ Psalm 16.9-11
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified, is no longer dead. He is risen, and risen, indeed!
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Thus It Is Written
Luke 24.36b-48Our Corporate Disciplines
Concert of Prayer: Thursday, April 5, 2018