St. Nicolai Notes

Prayer for April 12-18, 2020
Sermon Text: John 20:1-18

That our whole lives may be shaped by our recognition that Jesus is alive

     Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!
     We rejoice that You have raised him from death, God of life.
     We share the surprise of Mary who discovered an empty tomb on the first day of the week, the first day of new creation, but didn't know what to make of it, and thought it mean even deeper loss than she had already experienced.
     Our hearts pound with those of Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved as we race to confirm what Mary has said. Yes! the tomb is empty! We rejoice without full comprehension.
     We cry in grief and confusion, and struggle to answer when asked why.
     We cry, "Teacher!" and try to clasp You when You speak our name, and we recognize that You, who are our deepest longing and deepest joy, are standing next to us.
     We listen to your words about your return to the presence of our sovereign God and we rush to tell your closest friends and followers, "I have seen Jesus! I have seen the Lord!"
     Our entire life has been given shape and meaning by that experience and declaration: "I have seen the Lord!" We rejoice in you! Hallelujah! Hallelujah. Hallelujah! Amen.