Worship Prayers for April 27

CENTERING PRAYER

God of the Resurrection, you open the tomb and invite us to sing and dance in the new life you give us. In Jesus Christ, whose wounds are not erased but glorified in resurrection, touch our wounds that they may be transformed into channels of healing for others. Holy Spirit, breathe into us the power to forgive so that all may have new life. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 118)

The LORD is our strength and our might.

God has become our salvation.

Open to us the gates of righteousness,

that we may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.

We thank you that you have answered us and become our salvation.

The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of the empty tomb and our empty hearts, when we are afraid to speak our faith in the world, forgive us and help us to find our voice. When we are afraid to forgive and to love again, forgive us and give us the power to forgive. When we are afraid to stand up to misguided authority, join with the weak to make us all strong. When we are confined by our hurts, touch us with your wounded hands and set us free. When we are locked behind our doubts and fears, pass through our barricades, open our hearts, and give us peace. (Silent Confession)