Prayers at home - Easter 2 (19.04.2020)

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“My Lord and my God”

Be creative as you use this material. This is a guide to strengthen your prayer time as a family.
The family gathers around the Easter garden or flowers / greenery in the space kept for prayer. A candle or lamp is lit.

Christ is risen Alleluia!
He is risen indeed alleluia!

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

Hymn - Thine be the glory, risen, conqu'ring Son:

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28
Silence

Confession
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Let us call to mind our unbelief. John 20:29
Silence
For occasions we have wanted to see, to believe
Silence
For our cynicism that hinders our belief
Silence
For our times of doubt in the God, his words and his actions.
Silence
All: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Thank God for his forgiveness with a chorus or a prayer

Collect
Faithful God, the strength of all who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessings, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Reading from the scriptures
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
John 20:19-31

Reflection
Whilst we are sad that our churches are closed for worship during such an important season in the life of the church, this period of being locked up inside our homes like the disciples on that first Easter day gives us an opportunity to re-look at our own lives. Let us use todays reading as a mirror to see ourselves and strengthen our relationship with the risen Lord Jesus.
o   When we look into the scriptures do we see Mary Magdalene. Thomas or the disciples who ran to the tomb?
o   The confession of Thomas “my Lord and my God”, what is he confessing about Jesus?
o   If you are to make a confession about Jesus, in the light of your relationship with him, what would it be?
o   At present the corona virus as affected the rich and the poor, the Christian and the non-Christian, those of every race, language, cultures. In such a situation what doubts or questions about God are you struggling with? What has helped you to deal with it?
o   What does the words of Jesus “peace be with you” and the wounds of Jesus mean to you as you are locked up inside your home?
o   Keeping the initial emotions of the disciples in mind read Acts 2:32. What would your message be to the world that is seeking healing and deliverance?  
Share your reflection as a family on this portion of scriptures in the light of the questions given. You may want to read the Acts reading too. And after your time of prayer share briefly your reflection with me.   

Praying with the world
For faith in times of despair and hope in times of uncertainty, and for trust in the Lord of life, the risen Lord Jesus.

For the healing of the world
For all who are affected by the corona virus
For those who are isolated
For their families

For the front line workers
Doctors and medical staff
The Police and the security forces
Those who are working to get food delivered to homes
For their families

For families at home
For stronger family bonds
For children and the young
For family members who are away from home and cannot return

For the poor, the daily wage earners, the small businesses, freelance workers, for farmers and those who cant sell their produce

For those who rule the nations
For wisdom and guidance
For right decisions to be taken

For the church and it’s witness and faith
The leaders and the believers

The Lord’s prayer

Hymn - Jesu, grant me this, I pray,

Living with hope
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are witnesses of the fact. Acts 2:32

The doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, son and Holy Ghost.

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