Praying Together 2021

49 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The Lord be with you. Alleluia! And with your spirit. Alleluia! COLLECT We rejoice with those who have shared in the new life of Easter by their baptism. We celebrate the renewal of our own baptism into the life of Christ. (pause) We give you thanks, O God, for the gift of new life at Easter which makes us glad. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 20:11, 14-18 Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.” Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word ‘Rabboni’ means ‘Teacher’. Jesus told her, “Don’t hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But tell my disciples that I am going to the one who is my Father and my God, as well as your Father and your God.” Mary Magdalene then went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord. She also told them what he had said to her. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Imagine you are Mary in the garden. What surprise and joy Mary Magdalene must have felt to see that Jesus was alive! We feel the same sense of joy and excitement today as we remember that Jesus is alive and is with us. To celebrate, join in dancing and singing to this song called “Alive” b y Hillsong Young and Free. DISMISSAL May the peace of Christ dwell in our hearts. Alleluia! Alleluia! May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. Tuesday Octave of Easter 6 April 2021 “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”