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.

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.