Risen Lord, your living word truly is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  You taught and guided those who followed you when you walked among them and by your Spirit, you continue to guide us and speak to us still today through the witness of scripture.  You remind us that you are always present among us.  Your presence gives us clarity and understanding at times when we are confused and trying to make sense of it all.  You give us assurance and tell us not to be afraid.  You give meaning and purpose to our lives.  You have called us your witnesses.  You have given us a story to tell inside and outside of these sanctuary walls.  In this season of Eastertide, Resurrected One:   Teach us your Word, reveal its truth divine, on our path let it shine; tell of your works, your mighty acts of grace, from each page show your face. As you have loved us, God’s dear Son, and our salvation now is won, O let our hearts with love be stirred, help us, Lord, know your Word.  (“Renew Your Church”  Public Domain)

        Eternal One, Christ’s resurrection has changed everything and has made all things new.  This week during the Great American Eclipse, we were given the opportunity to pause and reflect on the words of the psalmist, “O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!…. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”  We thank you, O God, that you have crowned us with glory and honor and have given us dominion over the works of your hands.  Help us to be better stewards of the work of your hands.  We pray for peace, unity, and tolerance in places where gun violence and war rage on.  We pray for healing, wholeness, and humanitarian aid in places of human suffering.  We pray for cooperation, oneness, and a common goal for those who lead.  We pray for good news, resurrection, and new life in the living of these days.  For the hope and the future you desire for us all, we lift up our voices and sing in one accord the prayer our living Lord taught us.  Our Father, who art in heaven…