The Resurrection of Our Lord

Jesus shows us true life.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

~ John 11:25-26

Lord Jesus, You defeated death and brought life and immortality to light. Because You live, we too will live. Help us celebrate Your resurrection and life today with great joy! Amen.

Thank you for using our Lenten Life Calendar this year.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Saturday of Holy Week, March 30

Jesus shows us true life.

True life is eternal.

And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

~ 1 John 2:25

Lord Jesus, You created us for eternal life, yet because of sin we die. You died to destroy death and give us life eternal again! Give us the confidence and joy of Your life, knowing that though we die, yet shall we live - with You forever! Amen.

Attend the Great Vigil of Easter tonight. Listen to all the words and promises of God's salvation from the Old Testament and how they are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. 

Attend the Festival Divine Service for the Resurrection of Our Lord tomorrow and rejoice in our Lord's great victory over death and the grave.

If your heart is so moved after this week's (and all this Lenten season's) Scripture and prayers, there's still time to join with us in our congregational Lenten alms in thanksgiving for all God has done for you! (Check out the "About Our Charities" page in the links above for more information.) And thank you!

Friday of Holy Week, March 29

Jesus shows us true life.

True life is a life of love.

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

~ John 13:1

Lord Jesus, Your great love for us caused You to be born for us and to love us to the end, to die for us, so that we might live with You forever. As we remember Your death on the cross this Holy and Good Friday, enable us to see Your great love for us, fill us with Your love, and help us to live lives of love towards others. Amen.

Attend Good Friday service today. Listen for the love of Jesus in all the words that are spoken and in all that He does. For all He does, He does in love for you.

Thursday of Holy Week, March 28

Jesus shows us true life.

True life is a life of compassion.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

~ Matthew 9:36

Lord Jesus, You were a man of compassion. You had compassion on the crowds and on me! For how often I am harassed and helpless (and scared!) when faced with the trials and troubles of this world. But You are my Good Shepherd; I am not alone. Thank You! And help me have compassion on others, too, that they not be alone in their times of need. Amen.

Do you know someone who is alone? Someone who needs a friend, or a little compassion, or a helping hand? What can you do? Can you pray for them? Be there for them? Love them?

Wednesday of Holy Week, March 27

Jesus shows us true life.

True life is a life of faith.

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!

~ Luke 23:46

Lord Jesus, You were a man of faith. You trusted Your Father even when it meant the abandonment and death of the cross, that from this would come good, the salvation of the world! Help me to trust, even when things look dark in my life, and know my Father will work good for me. Amen.

Listen to the hymn A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth.

When is it hard for you to trust God? What things get in the way or cause you doubt? How can Jesus' cross help you at just such times?

Tuesday of Holy Week, March 26

 

Jesus shows us true life.

True life forgives.

And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

~ Luke 7:48

Lord Jesus, You were a man of forgiveness. You showed us that we don't get life by revenge or anger but by forgiving. Help us to forgive those who sin against us and show them Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for forgiving me! And help me be like You. Amen.

Who needs your forgiveness today? Who are you having a hard time forgiving? Who do you need forgiveness from? Take a little extra time today to ask for and give forgiveness. 

Monday of Holy Week, March 25

Jesus shows us true life.

We've spent this Lententide thinking about the many and various ways people think of life. That life is an accident, a chance happening. That the value or worth of your life comes from what you are able to do. That a life is only worth something if it is wanted. That there is a hierarchy of life, that some people are inherently and intrinsically worth more than others. And that it's my life and I can do what I want with it. All very common views of life, but all not how God views life. 

This Holy Week, we will change things up a bit and instead of refuting a wrong idea, consider how Jesus shows us true life. That Jesus, as a man without sin, shows us how we can now live as sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. 

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

~ Mark 1:35

Lord Jesus, You were a man of prayer. You showed us that children talking to their heavenly Father is important. You gave us the Lord's Prayer. Help us to pray and to be people of prayer always, praying for ourselves, but also praying for those who cannot and bringing them and their needs before You. Thank You for the gift of prayer and for all the great and precious promises You have given us that You will always hear and answer our prayers. Help us be like Jesus! Amen.

Take a little extra time in prayer today . . . for yourself, for a friend, for a family member, for someone who is not a Christian, and who else?