stones, tombs, and locked doors

Opening Prayer: Thank you Resurrected Jesus, that you cannot be deterred, contained or held at bay.  You are always rolling away our stones, emptying our tombs and coming through our locked doors.  By your resurrection power, raise us to new life once again today.  Amen.

Scripture: Luke 24:1-3, John 20:19-22

Journal: What are the stones, or tombs, or locked doors in your life these days?  How does Jesus want to enter in to those places and bring new life?

Reflection:

stones, tombs, and locked doors

no stone was too heavy for you

no tomb could keep you in

no locked door could keep you out

you cannot be deterred

nor can you be contained

and you will not be held at bay

you will not be dismissed

nor will you be managed

and you cannot be controlled

what stones have i set in place, O Lord

what tombs have i tried to seal you within

what rooms have i locked you out of

Resurrected Jesus 

come roll my stones away

empty my tombs

come through my locked doors

and raise me to new life again

Prayer

Closing Prayer:  Forgive us, Risen Jesus, when we try to manage, manipulate, and control you.  Thank you that you are always bigger and greater, more powerful and more glorious than we can ever imagine.  Raise up those parts of us that are dead and lifeless, or twisted and distorted, or so much less than you imagined them to be.  Help us to live your resurrection life today.  Amen.