Easter Sunday

This prayer originated from an Easter service at Christ Memorial Church, Holland Michigan. Prayer of PraiseBy the love with which you drew near to your disciples as they went to Emmaus and talked together of your passion; draw near to us and join yourself to us and give us the knowledge of yourself.Hear us, blessed Jesus.By the mercy with which at first their eyes were closed that they should not know you; be merciful to those that are slow of heart to believe.Hear us, blessed Jesus.By the compassion with which, amid the joy of your resurrection, you sought out those that were sad; console the fainthearted who have not yet learned to rejoice in you.Hear us, blessed Jesus.By the patience with which you opened to them the Scriptures; open our understanding and insight. <Hear us, blessed JesusBy the fire with which you made their hearts burn within them as you talked with them by the way; inflame with devotion every heart that is not already burning with love for you, and consume with zeal those that you have kindled.Hear us, blessed Jesus.By the wisdom with which you made as though you would have gone further, inviting them to constrain you to tarry with them; may no soul depart this place until it has received from you the blessing you are ready to give.Hear us, blessed Jesus.By the loyalty with which you went in and tarried with disciples, when the day was far spent; fulfill in every soul your promise which says, "I will come to him and sup with him and he with me."Hear us, blessed Jesus.By the blessing in which you made yourself known to the disciples in the breaking of the bread; may every act of yours be to us a sacrament, opening our eyes in faith, making you more fully known to us.Hear us, blessed Jesus.By the power by which you vanished out of their sight, that their faith in the mystery of your resurrection might be increased; strengthen and confirm this faith in us.Hear us, blessed Jesus.O Blessed Jesus, who, when the doors were shut where the disciples were gathered, came and stood in the midst and said, Peace be unto you; may no fear ever place a barrier between our soul and you, or hinder us from the peace which the world cannot give.May the peace which you gave your apostles, sending them forth in your Father's name as you yourself were sent, be also upon us and remain with us always. Amen!—from an Easter service at Christ Memorial Church, Holland, Michigan