The Resurrection of Christ, unknown Bulgarian painter, 17th century via Wikimedia Commons
We pray that this Easter there will be a brand new beginning for all of us.
Grant that our ugly pasts will be buried
and that we might arise in the newness of life
as new people who are making a fresh and a genuine new commitment
to walk with the risen Christ.
May the risen Christ save lost souls, convert us sinners, and teach us
that we are no longer captives to the sins which bind and blind us.
Have mercy on the sick and suffering.
Heal those who are physically, mentally, and spiritually sick.
Comfort the bereaved and grief-stricken.
Empty out tombs of despair, discouragement, and defeat.
Resurrect us with resurrection power.
Raise us to new levels of powerful and victorious living.
Bless the preaching of your Holy Word.
Burn our altars of prayer with the fire of the Holy Ghost.
Give us the boldness to tell the world that Jesus, our savior, is not dead
but the living Lord of history.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
J. Alfred Smith, Sr, Pastor in California
Say Amen! The African American Family’s Book of Prayers, slightly modified
__________________________
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again
to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
prayer & verse 
I often pray a similar prayer over you and COE, one from Eph 1:15-23.
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