A Prayer about the Hope of Resurrection
A Prayer about the Hope of Resurrection
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:20
Resurrected Lord,
In this world, we will have tribulation,
and it’s not always easy to be of “good cheer” (John 16:33).
But our hearts can take courage
as we remember the resurrection,
the very present hope
that not only have you been raised from the dead,
but you are even now
resurrecting bodies and hearts.
Yes, our believing loved ones who have died before us
are now with you in heaven praying with us.
Yes, every moment of every day,
you are at work in your kingdom here on earth
making all things new (Revelation 21:5).
You are making our hearts new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You are making your heavens and earth new (Revelation 21:1-5).
One day, all of your people will gather together
in the fully restored new heavens and new earth.
In that day, all of our tears will be wiped away,
and there will be no more cause for mourning.
In that day, we will join in belting out
songs of rejoicing, songs of redemption.
Until that day comes,
bring us the comfort and hope only you can give.
Amen.
Read Revelation 21:1-5; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58.
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage
author, life and legacy coach, speaker
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage is the author of Preparing for Glory: Biblical Answers to 40 Questions on Living and Dying in Hope of Heaven.
(affiliate link)
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Lord,
We believe; help our unbelief.
We believe you have already come into our midst
in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
We believe you are a mighty one
who has already saved us from our sins
through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
But in the next line of this magnificent verse,
we stutter and stumble.
We think that maybe you will rejoice in us
some day in the future
when we are more holy,
that you will love us
some day in the future
when we never sin again,
that you will exult in us with loud singing
some day in the future
when we’ve finally earned our way to heaven.
But that’s not what Scripture tells us.
The gospel good news
for all who trust in Jesus
is that right this minute,
you are rejoicing over us,
right this minute
you are quieting us with your love,
right this minute
and you are exulting over us with loud singing.
You saved us.
You love us.
You delight in us.
You sing extra-loud over us,
like the five-year-old who loves to sing
at the top of his lungs
because he’s so happy.
Help us today to sit quietly
and listen for the sound
of your delight in us,
and may that delight
change the way we live and love
today and every day.
In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Read Zephaniah 3:14-20.
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage
author, life and legacy coach, speaker
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage is the author of Preparing for Glory: Biblical Answers to 40 Questions on Living and Dying in Hope of Heaven.
(affiliate link)
