Easter Prayers for year B

ALL THE SEASONS OF MERCY, Diane Karay; The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, p.69

Holy God, we thank you for your shepherding care. When we are

consumed with longing and envy, you grant us the contentment

that comes from the peace of your presence. When we are beset

by fear and harried by enemies, you grant us shelter and restore

tranquillity. Always vigilant, you have rescued us from danger we

could not foresee or prevent. And if we were hurt, you have tended

us as a mother soothes her wounded child. Wherever we venture

and whatever hardship we encounter, we rejoice that we can

always trust in your presence to help us endure. No enemy, no

evil, not even death itself can separate us from the love which you

pour upon us. Loving God, open our hearts to receive the bounty 

of your blessing; and, having quenched our need, send us to

shepherd all those in need of your care. Amen.

4th Easter A,B,C

Psalm 23

(Isaiah 66:13)

5.

0 God, as a gardener who loves and needs the fruit of the garden,

you tend us that we may grow and flourish. You have planted the

seeds of love and justice within us, and are joyful when we bring

your long efforts to fruition. There are times when you must prune

us, that we may direct our energies into more fruitful channels.

We thank you for caring to direct and discipline our otherwise

haphazard efforts. Like any gardener who loves to survey growing

crops and branches bearing buds, you, 0 God, kneel beside us,

rejoicing when we grow, suffering when we are set back. You have

made our very lives the field from which you will draw a rich

harvest. Thank you, God, for abiding in our midst and tending us.

May we call to mind often the continual flow of your Spirit

through us, which gives us life. May we never do anything to sever

that vital connection. As you help us to be branches bearing fruit,

so use us to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in each other. Amen.