May 9, 2024 – Ascension of the Lord

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 . . .
Keep us ever faithful in our worship and service,
bearing witness to what Christ has done among us
and to the hope of his coming in glory to reign.
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Life-giving God, we pray for the world . . .
Let your majesty shine; let your mercy rain down.
Humble the leaders of the nations;
teach them to follow your ways of justice and peace.
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Life-giving God, we pray for this community . . .
Encourage those who watch and wait for justice.
Empower them with the gifts of your Spirit
to live, even now, in the light of your holy realm.
By your grace, O God, raise us from death to life.

Life-giving God, we pray for loved ones . . .
Put your heavenly, healing power to work
in the lives of all who are suffering or sick.
Fill them with the fullness of life you alone can give.
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 are robed in majesty and glory, girded in mercy and strength.
You established the world—the heavens, the earth, the seas.
From age to age you reign; from everlasting you are God.
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:
Jesus came to fulfill the law, the prophets, and the psalms.
After he rose from the dead, he ascended to heaven to reign.
With joy we worship him and bless your name.
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.
Give us your Spirit of wisdom and enlighten the eyes of our hearts
so that we may know the hope to which you have called us
and proclaim the good news of Christ’s coming realm.
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:
God Most High, we have lifted our hearts to you
in this joyful meal with our risen Lord.
Continue to surround and sustain us
so that we may feast with you in glory
at the wedding of heaven and earth;
through Christ, who lives and reigns forever. 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