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A prayer vigil is simply a scheduled event which invites us to come to our Lord to request to, meditate on, converse with and listen for Him. We hope to offer a place that is peaceful and comfortable in surroundings, which allows you to commune in an effective manner with God. While we emphasize silence during the vigil, we intersperse readings to help you focus on and ponder your relationship not only with God, but with our Lord Jesus Christ - and what better time to consider these things than on the day of rememberance on which Jesus died on the cross for our sins. And if you are in the special communion with the Lord, that will allow the Holy Spirit to work within you.
Prayer is, first and foremost, the way in which we communicate with God. There are no "bad" prayers. Whether you give thanks for blessings in your life or ask for help with your problems. Whether you are happy, sad or angry, God is there to listen. Like communications with friend or family, prayer serves to strenghten relationships. And it works best when you are honest with yourself and with God. What should you pray about? Whatever is most in your mind and on your heart.
We hope the following scriptures, prayer and suggestions as well as the spoken readings may help and guide you in your prayers. From Isaiah 53:10-12 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. From Luke 24:25-27 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Prayer: Father, Creator of the universe, who is the architect of all plans, we might not know your plan but we can take confidence in knowing that you have laid out all things in history - including the pain and death suffered by your only Son. Lord, may your Holy Spirit open our eyes to what your Son's actions on the cross means to our lives and may we use this knowledge to spread your love throughout the world. In your crucified, buried and risen Son's name. Amen.
Suggested focus on silent prayer/meditation:
- Consider your current relationship with Jesus.
- Meditate on what Jesus' work on the cross means to your life.
- Pray for family and friends who don't know the true meaning of Easter or have a deep relationship with God.
- Ask to be aware of God's love, His forgiveness and His offer of relationship with us in prayer and communion.
- Ask God to help you meditate and pray.