First Sunday after Easter

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FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
Sunday, April 28, 2019

Readings:
Lesson: Acts 3:1-21
Psalm: 81:1-10
Epistle: 1 John 5:1-15
Gospel: John 20:19-31

God of faith, Your Word teaches me the importance of faith. I learn that faith has the power to heal any infirmity, to save from any danger, and to overcome any obstacle. I walk by faith, and not by sight, because faith is the evidence of things I cannot see. You bless all those who believe without seeing, and yet You do not require me to be blind. Rather, through Your Word and Sacraments, through Your creation, and through those You send my way, You continually call me to look intently and attentively, and to fix my eyes on You. I open my heart and mind to the everyday miracles You perform in my life in order to strengthen my faith.

Father, when Peter and John had no money to help the crippled beggar, they offered him the healing Word of Your Son. I confess that I do not heed the cries of beggars I pass by. They call in distress and trouble, but I do not rescue them with even a word or a smile. I do not relieve their shoulder of the burden, nor do I free their hands from carrying their baskets. You command me to love You and to help the poor and needy, that their hope may not be taken away, and Your commandments are not burdensome. As the healed beggar clung to Peter and John in joy and gratitude, I affirm that I have the power every day to provide at least one person with healing and happiness.

In the Name of Jesus, my Lord and my God, I boldly approach You in prayer, knowing that You hear me whenever I ask for anything according to Your will. In my darkest moments of doubt and despair, when I cry out to see and touch the marks on Jesus’ hands and side, I pray that You may meet me right where I am. I call on Your Presence to lead me to an even bolder confession and assurance of faith. Following Your example, I set the intention to meet others where they are, too, to come and stand among them in peace, and to expose my vulnerabilities, that we may join together in blessing, believing, and life in His Name.

In the testimony and truth of the Holy Spirit, I thank for You for greeting me with Your peace, which surpasses all my understanding. I thank You for breathing on me the power of forgiveness, that is the ability to be released at any time from any burden, care, or anxiety that my conscience may carry, for You call me to cast all my care and anxiety on You. I am renewed in the victory and the eternal life, which You have given me in Jesus, Your Son, and I celebrate this Easter season in joy. I manifest the power of this faith and its truth in my life. I already have the testimony of Your Word in my mouth and in my heart, so that I can act on it.

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