Lord of Resurrection, we gather before you today as Easter people, with shouts of Alleluia!, songs of praise and hearts full of joy.
We pray for religious leaders throughout the world, that they might guide all people of faith in finding cause for celebration this Eastertide.
We pray for all people in places where the joy of Easter seems to be very far off. We bring before the Lord those regions where there is conflict, turmoil and suffering – remembering in particular Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria and Ukraine. We ask God to shine the light of resurrection into these places.
We pray for all those who are burdened with sickness or despair, for whom the joy of Easter seems to be very far off. We ask the risen Christ to meet them in new and surprising ways, that they find the inspiration to follow his path, wherever it might lead.
With the signs of spring all around, we pray with gratitude for the natural world and God’s amazing creation. We ask God to show each of us what we can do to look after our natural surroundings.
We pray our own communities, that they might be inspired and revitalised by the hope and joy of the resurrection. We ask God to show each of us what we can do to make them vibrant and harmonious places to live, work and worship.
Refresh and reinvigorate us in faith, Lord, as we go out today as Easter people, emboldened to take your joyful message to the world. Alleluia! Amen.