Praying with Creation: the
Season of Easter
The Vigil of Easter through Pentecost Sunday
Year C
by Dennis Ormseth
Vigil of Easter
From the
Apocrypha, The Song of the Three Young Men, vv. 28-68 (an addition in the Greek
version of Daniel between 3:23 and 3:24)
Sovereign of the universe, wellspring of life, fountain of redemption, we
praise you. With sun and moon, winds and rain, light and darkness, we glorify
you. With rivers and seas, wild beasts and cattle, and all humanity, we magnify
you. This night, in the resurrection of your Son, you have revealed the destiny
of all creation -- life in your mercy. Glory, glory, glory, to you our God.
The Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Day
I Cor.
15:19-26b
Praise to you, God of power and might, for the resurrection of
your Son, the first fruits of all who will be raised. He is the certainty that
all the universe shall be raised up as your new creation. Fill us with your
life that we may walk in the way of Christ as joyful servants of the earth.
Second Sunday of Easter
Rev.
1:4-8
Almighty God, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and
the end of all life, all time, all things. Fill us with your passion for the
earth, that we, like Jesus, may be faithful witnesses to your fierce love for
this fragile planet and all its creatures.
Third Sunday of Easter
Rev.
5:11-14
All-holy Trinity, through all eternity your praise is chanted by
the heavenly hosts. With them, we join every creature in heaven, and on earth,
and under the earth, and in the seas, every creature singing -- blessing and
honor and glory to you forever and ever.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Rev.
7:9-17
Jesus, Lamb of God, Shepherd of the faithful, you alone lead us to
the water of life. Lead us also in your way of justice and mercy for the waters
of the earth, that we may keep them pure for the daily well-being of all your
creatures.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Ps. 148
and Rev. 21:1-6
Holy God, holy mighty, holy immortal, you alone make all things
new. All things–sun, moon and shining stars, sea monsters and all deeps, all
peoples–all things praise your glory. Fill us with wonder at your great love
for creation, and deepen our determination to serve this praise-filled earth.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Rev.
21:10, 22-22:5
Radiant God, you are the fullness of light for your new creation.
Because you are faithful, we await with hope the new Jerusalem, our eternal
home, your promised city. As we wait, use us to bless the cities we inhabit,
that they may be environments of mercy, justice and peace for all.
The Ascension of Our Lord: The Lordship of Christ
Praise to you, Lord Jesus, ascended Sovereign of the universe.
Guide and guard this precious blue planet, home for all your creatures. Deepen
our commitment to earth, that set in the midst of rivers and deserts, cities
and countryside, creatures seen and unseen, we may live to your glory.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Rev.
22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Jesus, bright morning star, you are the future whom we await and
for whom we long. You are the promise of grace that all will be well. In this
time of global warming, send us to live as bearers of hope and servants of
those whose habitat is threatened, whose future is deeply in doubt.
Pentecost Sunday
Ps. 104
Holy Spirit, you are the Lord, the giver of life–all life–lilies
and dandelions, predators and prey, and life forms not esteemed, which cleanse
the earth and make it habitable. Creation lives by your common grace. Raise us
up to walk this earth faithfully with justice and compassion for all living things.
