Winding up to next Easter

The next Easter Sunday will be 4th April 2010, unless you are following the Orthodox calendar. Only 48 more weeks to go, and only 42 weeks until the beginning of Lent on 17th February.

So don't let the next Lent and Easter creep up on you unawares. Be ready.

I hope you've enjoyed Exploring Prayer and journeying around our Labyrinth. Come back for more next time.

This site might be rather quiet until nearer that time, but in the meantime feel free to make comments and ask questions. I'll be listening!

Labyrinth - Jesus Lives!

No. 12 The Resurrection

Bible Text
He is not here; He is risen.

Matthew Chapter 28, verse 6

Prayer
Risen Lord,
Remind us on Easter Day and every day
That your love continues through all things,
Your power is supreme over all things,
And your presence is with us in all things.
Assure us of the victory you have won over death and darkness.
Amen.

Labyrinth - Jesus Crucified

No.11 The Crucifixion
Bible Text
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John Chapter 3, verse 16

Prayer
He carried the cross to Calvary,
Carried its burden for you and me,
There on the cross He was crucified
And, because He suffered and bled and died,
We know that whatever “our cross” may be,
It leads to God and eternity……
For who can hope for a “crown of stars”
Unless it is earned with suffering and scars,
For how could we face the living Lord
And rightfully claim His promised reward
If we have not carried our cross of care
And tasted the cup of bitter despair……
Let those who yearn for the pleasures of life,
And long to escape all suffering and strife,
Rush recklessly on to an “empty goal”
With never a thought of the spirit and soul……
But if you are searching to find the way
To life everlasting and eternal day –
With Faith in your heart take the path He trod,
For the way of the cross is the way to God.

Labyrinth - Road to Calvary

No. 10 The Road to Calvary

Bible Text
They led Him away to be crucified.

Matthew Chapter 27, verse 32

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You know what it’s like to take the hard road,
To be forced to go where you do not want,
To carry burdens that are too heavy,
To collapse under the strain.
We see people needing help every day.
May we never be one of the bystanders, but be ready to help.
Even if it is hard.
Even if all we can do is wipe away the sweat and dust.
Amen.

Labyrinth - Trial

No. 9 The Trial

Bible Text
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.
“I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.

Matthew Chapter 27, verses 20-26

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You were a victim of an unfair trial,
Of false and distorted evidence,
Of an unjust and brutal sentence.
May we never forget Prisoners of Conscience of our own day,
May we find courage to speak and act against injustice,
May we never turn away and wash our hands of our responsibilities.
Amen

Labyrinth - Denial

No.8 Denial

Bible Text
“Jesus said to Peter, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.”
Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you!” And so said all of the disciples.

Matthew Chapter 26 verses 34-35

Prayer
Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be Your name.
Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For Yours is the Kingdom and the power
And the glory forever.
Amen

Labyrinth - Betrayal

No.7 Betrayal

Bible Text
“Then one of the twelve disciples – the one named Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, “What will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?” They counted out thirty silver coins and gave them to him.”

Prayer
In the friend I let down
In the secret I let out
In the confidence I broke
I betrayed you,
Jesus forgive me.

In the person I passed by
In the needs I ignored
In the victim I had no time for
I betrayed you,
Jesus forgive me.

In the homeless person I avoided
In the eyes I did not seek
In the wealth I did not share
I betrayed you,
Jesus forgive me.

Then, you forgave,
Jesus, now forgive,
Place a new spirit within my heart.