May 12, 2024 – Seventh Sunday of Easter

Prayers of the People

In the blessed hope of the resurrection,
we pray to the Lord of endless life, saying:
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Life-giving God, we pray for the church . . .
Sanctify us in the truth of your word
so that we may go forth and live in the world
as a joyful sign of your salvation.
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Life-giving God, we pray for the world . . .
Anoint leaders with a heart for service.
Strengthen them to pursue justice and peace
and seek the welfare of all people.
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Life-giving God, we pray for this community . . .
Let us be like trees, planted by the water,
delighting in your way of righteousness,
bearing fruit for the good of all.
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Life-giving God, we pray for loved ones . . .
Speak your word of healing and hope
to those who are struggling or suffering this day.
Strengthen them by your gift of abundant life.
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Eternal God, show forth in us and in our world
the good news of your saving power and love,
so that all may believe and have life in you;
through Jesus Christ, who is risen indeed. Amen.

— Eucharist —

Invitation to Offering

At the communion table:
How does God’s love abide in anyone
who has the world’s goods
yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need?
Remembering God’s great love for the world,
let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 John 3:16–17

Prayer of Dedication

At the communion table:
Eternal God, take and use these gifts
for your purpose in the world—
giving food to the hungry,
hope to the despairing,
and new life to the dead.
Teach us to live each day for you,
so that future generations
will know your goodness
and praise your glory;
in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 22:25–31

Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God:
You watch over the faithful, O Lord: those who keep your word.
They are like trees planted by streams of water;
they yield fruit in due season, and prosper in all things.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song
of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
A Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy”) is sung.

Blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior:
You sent Jesus Christ into the world to save us, to sanctify us in the truth.
Still, Christ prays for us, to guard and protect us from evil.
We belong to Christ, and in Christ we belong to you.
The words of institution are included here.
Remembering your goodness and grace,
we offer ourselves to you with gratitude
as we share this joyful feast.
A Memorial Acclamation (e.g., “Christ has died”) is sung.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon this bread and cup;
make us one in the body and blood
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Keep us faithful in all that we say and do.
Fill our hearts with your truth, so that we may testify to the good news:
that you have given us the gift of eternal life.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Spirit,
we bless you, God of glory,
now and forever.
An Amen is sung.

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking the Bread

Communion of the People

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Prayer after Communion

At the communion table:
Thank you, O God, for giving us communion
with our risen and glorious Lord.
Now send us out to be a sign
of the new life that has come into the world;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

— Sending —

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Blessing and Charge

At the doors of the church:
May the love of the holy triune God—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
abide with you forever. Alleluia!
1 John 4:13–16

Now go forth in Jesus’ name,
remembering his new commandment
to love one another,
just as he has loved us. Amen.
1 John 3:23