King of kings
Lord of lords
forever
is Jesus Christ
who through his triumph over death
showed the gates of heaven were open to the whole world
the power of death was overcome
through the power of the resurrection
for Christ is risen
He is risen indeed
Risen One
we thank you for your life,
all you taught,
all you showed the world,
your death on the cross,
your burial in a borrowed tomb
your splendid resurrection
these we proclaim this day
in our homes
in new and unusual ways
and we thank you this is still possible in new ways
we thank you this helps us celebrate this day
and feel connected to the church, the Body of Christ, throughout the world
[pause]
In the midst of recalling the joy of the resurrection once more, this year, it is tinged with sadness
we cannot be with our extended families
may they feel our love, even from afar
we cannot go out for meals
may the staff in restaurants, cafes and pubs know their worth as human beings
may their families be cared for
may they have enough to live on until this is all over
[pause]
Life Giving One
through you showed the power of death is overcome
that brings little reassurance to those in hospitals suffering from Coronavirus and other life-threatening illnesses, or their families, who cannot visit or hold their hands
surround them with your love
through the nurses, doctors and all hospital staff who they will encounter
we recall the bereaved, for whom this is a much harder situation than normal.
They cannot hug their loved ones, or sit holding their hand during the service
they may not be even able to go to the funeral
oh, what heartache
oh, what pain
may your love be shown through funeral directors and those who lead funeral services
and be with those who support the bereaved, as they work through new and difficult ways to help
[pause]
Resurrected One
There are many places, people and situations lying heavy on our hearts this day, which we struggle for words to express
in a minute of quiet, we offer them to you
[pause]
Lord Jesus Christ
hear these our prayers, spoken and unspoken, offered through you, God the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God now and always
Amen