Friday, April17th
Opening Hymn
In the name of the Victorious Risen God.
Opening Sentence
From Epistle to the Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who has promised is faithful.”
Opening Prayer
God of love and light, our living Abba, we come before you at the dawn of this day, seeking the hope that only you can give. When we feel weak, when we reach the depths of uncertainty, you remain our steady foundation. Plant within us the seed of faith—even as small as a mustard seed—that it may grow into a living hope, shaping how we see one another and how we live together. Teach us to become people of hope: to lift one another up, to act with integrity, and to reflect your light in a world that longs for healing. Through Christ, fill us with a hope that cannot be shaken, and a love that brings life to all. Amen.
Psalm
From Book of Psalms 42:11
“Why are you cast down, O my soul?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.”
Epistle
From Epistle to the Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Hymn:
Gospel
From Gospel of Matthew 17:20
“If you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’
and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Statement of Faith
We believe in God, our loving Abba,
the source and foundation of all hope.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
who reveals the light that no darkness can overcome,
and plants within us the seed of living faith.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who fills us with courage, joy, and perseverance,
and teaches us to live as people of hope.
Through this faith,
we are called to lift one another,
to act with love and integrity,
and to trust that God’s light will prevail.
Hymn:
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, our loving Abba in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Strengthen our hope and deepen our faith,
and deliver us from all darkness.
For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
now and forever. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers
God of hope and compassion,
we pray for your Church throughout the world.
Make it a living witness to hope, unity, and love.
We pray for those who feel hopeless or discouraged.
Lift them up and surround them with your light.
We pray for our communities and our world.
Help us to see one another with dignity and respect,
and to support one another in times of need.
We pray for those who are falling, struggling, or in pain.
Give us the courage to reach out our hands
and to walk together in compassion.
And we pray for ourselves:
plant deeply within us the seed of faith,
that we may live with joy, trust, and perseverance,
and reflect your hope in all that we do. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Closing Prayer
Gracious and faithful Abba, as we go into this day, keep us rooted in your hope. Let your light guide our steps, your love shape our actions, and your Spirit strengthen our hearts. May we become bearers of hope in every place we go, lifting others, building community, and trusting always in your living presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Postlude: