A mid-week prayer

A Prayer for New Life 

Lord Jesus Christ,
in this world where hopes are so often dashed
and dreams so often broken,
we remember today the faith in the future you brought to so many,
both through your coming and through your resurrection from the dead.

Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.

We remember how Mary and Joseph looked forward
to the day of your birth,
how shepherds and magi caught their breath in wonder
as they knelt before you,
how the hearts of Anna and Simeon leapt in anticipation,
and how your disciples
and the crowds that flocked to hear you gave thenks,
convinced that you were the Messiah, the one God had promised,
the long-awaited deliverer come to set them free.

Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.

We remember how that vision of the future
was shattered by events to follow –
your pain, humiliation, suffering and death –
hope ebbing away as the lifeblood seeped from your body –
an end to their dreams, an end to everything.

Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.

We remember how the news spread that the tomb was empty,
the stone rolled away, your body gone,
and how despite it all,
your followers could scarcely bring themselves to hope –
afraid to take the risk of faith
in case they should face the heartache of losing you once more.

Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.

But we remember finally how you appeared,
in all your risen glory –
in the garden,
in the upstairs room,
on the Emmaus road,
by the Sea of Galilee –
and the dream was born again,
the smoldering embers of faith rekindled.

Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.

Lord Jesus Christ, a world is waiting,
hurting,
longing,
searching for hope,
crying out for meaning,
hungry for some reason to believe in the future.
Come again in your living power,
and bring new life to all.

Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.

In your name we pray. Amen