Holy One, we come longing to hear a word from you. As we journey in this latter part of Lent, it is all too clear where we are going. The signs in the stores celebrate bunnies and tulips but the word is present, Easter. It is a word that holds such great hope and promise. It is a word filled with expectation of the promise that you give to each one of us. But it is also the reminder of the days that lead up to it, Holy Week.
We often wonder, why we call it holy. It is full of torment and pain and points to the unthinkable, Jesus’ crucifixion. But you guide our eyes to the cross…the one that is empty. We can look to the other side and see the wondrous love you have for us. We can look to the other side and see the promise revealed. We can look to the tomb and know it did not hold him. He told us what would happen, and it did. He told us he would return, and he did. He told us the Holy Spirit would come to guide us and the Spirit does abide in us. He told us to go and tell about him, Gracious One, put the words on our lips.
Give us strength and give us courage to face the future unafraid. Give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Give us perseverance to Go with Jesus to the foot of the cross. Then, with purpose and determination like the women to go to find the empty tomb. In the name of the One who came, we pray. Amen.
-Pastor Maria