Prayers: April 12th, 2026

2nd Sunday of Easter/Te Rātapu Tuatoru o te Aranga

Taken from/inspired by Acts 2:14a,22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1:3-9, and John 20:19-31

Bidding:  …You alone are my portion and my cup;
Response: You make my lot secure..
[based on Psalm 16:5]

Let us pray.  

I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

[Acts 2:29-32]

Jesus, form and re-form our communities in the light of your Resurrection.

[silence]

Bidding:  …You alone are my portion and my cup;

Response: You make my lot secure..

Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

[from John 20:27]

Jesus, may your wounds be ever present in the mind of your Church;
Build our belief on your embodied Love.

[silence]

Bidding:  …You alone are my portion and my cup;

Response: You make my lot secure..

“my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
 my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful  one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
[Psalm 16:9-11]

 Jesus, creation anticipates Resurrection;
we long for the coming of your Kingdom

[silence]

Bidding:  …You alone are my portion and my cup;
Response: You make my lot secure..

Eternal Father, through the resurrection of your Son, help us to face the future with courage and assurance, knowing that nothing in death or life can ever separate us from your love. This we ask through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.