16 April 2017

Praying in Easter 2017 with USPG,
(1), Easter Day, 16 April 2017

The Resurrection, Duccio di Buoninsegna

Patrick Comerford

Throughout Lent, I have invited you to join me on a pilgrimage and journey to Gethsemane, Calvary and the tomb. Easter Morning has dawned, and this morning we celebrate and rejoice in the Resurrection.

Last night, I presided at the Easter Eve Eucharist and preached in Castletown Church, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick. This morning I am presiding at the Eucharist in Saint Brendan’s Church, Kilnaughtin, Tarbert, Co Kerry (9 a.m.), Saint Mary’s Church, Askeaton, Co Limerick (10.30 a.m.), and Holy Trinity Church, Rathkeale, and preaching in all three churches.

Each day throughout Lent, for my prayers and reflections each morning, I was following the Lent 2017 edition of the prayer diary of the Anglican mission agency USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel), and the theme of the USPG Lent study course, ‘Living an Authentic Life.’

In the articles and prayers in the prayer diary, USPG was inviting us to investigate what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The Lent study course, ‘Living an Authentic Life’ (available online or to order at www.uspg.org.uk/lent), explores the idea that discipleship and authenticity are connected.

This morning, the Prayer Diary rejoices in the Resurrection:

Sunday 16 April: Easter Day

Hallelujah! He is risen! Today we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him’ (Mark 16:6).

He has been raised from the dead!

Hallelujah! Let us praise God for the gift of the resurrection! May we share this Easter gift so that all may know the joy of new life.

God has not left us alone – he has given the Holy Spirit for all people so that together we might enjoy fellowship. And as we spend time together in listening, prayer and shared work, may we learn better what it means to be a disciple and share God’s love.

As disciples, may we stand shoulder to shoulder – locally and globally – in seeking and seeing God’s Spirit in everyone, not judging, but forgiving, accepting others as God accepts us. And in this way, together, might we enjoy the fullness of life.

Sunday 16 April: Easter Day

Holy God, in the raising of Jesus you bring new life to us all.
Help us to share your new life with all people
in working to build your kingdom here on earth,
in the power of your spirit and in union with Christ.

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty God,
through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
you have overcome death
and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
Grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen Lord
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion Prayer:

Living God,
for our redemption you gave your only-begotten Son
to the death of the cross,
and by his glorious resurrection
you have delivered us from the power of our enemy.
Grant us so to die daily unto sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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