Easter prayer...

"The Lord is Risen!
He is Risen indeed!"

O Lord,
whatever we sing, or say, or pray 

this Easter day...


I pray they all will be surpassed 

by the simple joy
of women and men 

standing in the presence of women and men,
daring to proclaim 

and echo the good news;

The Lord is Risen!
He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

For death is not the last word.
Violence is not the last word.
Hate is not the last word.
Money is not the last word.
Intimidation is not the last word.
Political power is not the last word.
Condemnation is not the last word.
Betrayal and failure are not the last word.

No, each of them are left like rags in a tomb,
And from that tomb,
Arises Christ,
Alive.

Alleluia!
Amen!

--- adapted from "A Prayer for Pastors on Easter" by Brian McLaren
(Used with permission. Permission to circulate is granted to all.)