Malachi 4:5-6; Psalm 133; Eph 2:14-20; John 20:19-23
Today we celebrate the peace of the Risen Lord. The Risen One is the great Victor over death and the world of darkness. He unites His disciples, who were paralysed with fear. He opens up before us new prospects of life and of acting for His coming kingdom. The Risen Lord unites and strengthens all believers. Peace and unity are the hallmarks of our transformation in the resurrection.
Loving and merciful God, teach us the joy of sharing in Your peace. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may tear down the walls of hostility separating us. May the risen Christ, who is our peace, help us to overcome all division and unite us as members of His household. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, to whom with You and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen
Day Six: Changed by God’s Steadfast Love (Mon., Jan. 23)
Habakkuk 3:17-19; Psalm 136:1-4, 23-26; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
On this day we concentrate our attention on God’s steadfast love. The Paschal Mystery reveals this steadfast love, and calls us to a new way of faith. This faith overcomes fear and opens our hearts to the power of the Spirit. Such faith calls us to friendship with Christ, and so to one another.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, by Your Resurrection You have triumphed over death, and have become the Lord of life. Out of love for us You have chosen us to be Your friends. May the Holy Spirit unite us to You and to one other in the bonds of friendship, that we may faithfully serve You in this world as witnesses to Your steadfast love; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Adapted for First Presbyterian Church Lake Crystal by Pastor Randy from materials published by The Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches:
< http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main /documents/p2/2011/WOP2012eng.pdf >
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