I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. (Ps. 40 NRSV)

Alleluia, Alleluia,

Give thanks to the risen Lord,

Alleluia, Alleluia,

Give praise to his name

Thank you, Lord, for the joy of Easter; we appreciate the extra effort that is poured into our holy days. It is lovely to see more people in Church than is usual; and how lovely to see the decorations and the flowers and the candles and to hear the special music.

We pray for Gaenor, our priest, and for all the others who help with the Church services. Easter is a busy time for them and it is difficult for them to think of you, Lord, when they are concentrating on all the things that have to be done.

But we also pray for those who are not here with us today. Some are on holiday; some are ill, unable to leave their beds; some are too old and infirm to make the journey to Church; some would like to come but feel too shy or feel unwelcome, so have stayed away; and some have lost their faith. Whatever the reason, we pray that they will all know your presence with them at this time.

So, today we celebrate your victory over death and the powers of darkness. Tomorrow, help us to remember that your resurrection is a daily victory over fear – fear of the past and fear of the future.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Creator God, you made this beautiful world and gave it to us and asked us to look after it.

But what a mess we’ve made of the job; wherever we look there are wars, people, including innocent children, being killed or driven from their homes and many people are starving.

Lord, we long for the day when ‘your will is done on Earth, as it is in Heaven’.

Lord, for our land, in this our generation,

Spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:

For young and old, for commonwealth and nation,

Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Lord, for our world; when we disown and doubt you,

Loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,

Hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you:

Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.

Bless and guide Charles our king; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, help us to recognise the people in our lives who are particularly in need of help. Forgive us for thinking that ‘it’s not our problem’. Help us always to love our family, friends and neighbours as ourselves.
We each know good and lovely people this day who are up against it. At this time we particularly think of those who are suffering– either in hospital, in a nursing home or at home. We ask that you will protect them and those who look after them.

The stone across the tomb may indeed be an illness, but it may also be grief, or a breakdown. Lord, you know the weight of these stones that lie heavy across the tomb.

So, Lord, come in love and roll away the stone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, we bring before you all who have recently died. And we pray for those who woke this morning to the loneliness of bereavement – the empty bed or chair, an unaccustomed quietness, a life now incomplete; may they know your presence in the stillness of the day, and through the love of friends. And in the darker moments may they reach out to hold your hand and feel the warmth of the one who has already passed from death to life.

According to your promises, grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom. Rejoicing in the fellowship of all your saints, we commend ourselves and all Christian people to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen