Prayer of Confession for the Third Sunday of Easter (Year A)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Holy Spirit of the Living God, we live among a corrupt generation. We cannot claim to be above it all, untouched by temptation and sin. For we too once rejected the crucified Christ, disobeyed his teaching, and followed our own ways. Nevertheless, you offer us salvation by the death of your precious Son. Therefore, we turn to you and invoke his name, Jesus, for you and your Son are faithful, merciful, loving, and kind; and we, forswearing our past sins, would be holy, even as you are holy!

A Prayer in Preparation for Worship on Easter Evening (Year A)

IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Lord Jesus Christ, risen Son of God,
we know that when you come again
you will be seeking faith on earth.
But for today, for now, if we are in disbelief,
it is simply due to joy at the news,
joy that the good news can be this good.
Be patient with us, therefore,
and open our joyful, tearful, disbelieving eyes,
that we may see you and know:
you are risen, indeed!

Opening Prayer for Resurrection Sunday (Year A)

OPENING PRAYER [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Risen Savior, you are Lord of all! You are the one anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power to teach peace, to perform miraculous deeds, and to heal all who are oppressed. When the world rejected you and put you to death, you willingly suffered and died for the sake of righteousness. Now you are alive again, sovereign over all. You alone hold the keys to death. You alone give us hope for the future! We praise you, Lord Jesus! We adore you!

Opening Prayer for Good Friday (Year A)

OPENING PRAYER [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
O Lord God of Israel, for generations you have both gone before your people and been our rear guard; you have provided for us and defended us; you have taught us and reminded us of your mighty and astonishing deeds. Who could have imagined, O God, that the rejection and affliction of your Son Jesus Christ could become the basis of our hope and salvation? Yet this is what the prophets foretold and the apostles have confirmed; this is what your Word and Spirit have revealed. Grant us, therefore, the wisdom of your Spirit and the power of your holy presence, that we might better understand the mystery of redemption, glorify your name, and share the revelation of your love with those whom you are calling to yourself from the fruitless ways of this dying world.

Call to Worship for Maundy Thursday (Year A)

CALL TO WORSHIP [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Remember how the Son of Man was glorified:

    He said, “Little children,

    I am with you only a little longer.”

Remember the example Jesus set for us:
    He said, “Very truly, I tell you,
    servants are not greater than their master.
    Nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.”
Remember how the Word made love the way:
    He said, “I give you a new commandment,
    that you love one another. Just as I have loved you,
    you should also love one another. By this everyone will know
    that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Elements for the Offering for Palm Sunday (Year A)

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
All things temporal wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. But the Lord works wonders and performs great marvels, even with what the world rejects. Therefore, while we have the time and the temporary custody of our earthly treasure, let us readily and humbly offer our gifts of thanks to God.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Holy God, your glory reaches to the highest heaven, and the name of your Son exceeds all other names. Surely, one day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus as Lord. In keeping with this inspired vision and the hope of the future glory, we offer these gifts; may they be used, as we would be used, to exalt and praise you, the one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year A)

OPENING PRAYER [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
God of Glory, who sent Jesus Christ to raise the dead to life, you reveal your glory to those who believe in your Son, who trust he is the resurrection and the life. Reveal yourself to us in this place, that we may see the light of Christ in this world and walk without stumbling, living and serving you with the full assurance that we shall dwell with you in fellowship and joy for all eternity; this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lightning from the East now available on Amazon

For those tracking the RCL, there is still plenty of Year A to go. Order now, have it for Holy Week and Resurrection Day.