Scripture: Matthew 28.3-8
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

May we enthusiastically follow the example of the resurrected Christ’s first witnesses: the women who were more faithful than those who betrayed and abandoned Christ, who were braver than the fainting Roman soldiers, and who were the first to believe in and spread the gospel of the resurrected Christ.

Christ’s resurrection marks a new day. This new day dawns both globally and individually. It is an event in history, but is also an event that recurs in the life of each person to whom Christ reveals himself. — John

Reflection: A New Day :: Worldwide Prayer
A prayer of invitation to worship from Germany

Almighty and compassionate God
Our Father in heaven
We thank you for this new day
We know
Every day is a new beginning
Every day is a new challenge
Every day is a new opportunity
Every day is a new invitation to trust you…

To trust your Word, to put your promises to the test, to embrace your inexhaustible love and peace.

Lord, we come to you.
We open our hearts and hands and invite you.
Come our Savior Jesus Christ,
The door of our hearts is open to you.
O move in with your grace,
Let your kindness be manifested towards us.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit,
Who shows us the truth and
Who shows us the way to heaven.

Your name be honored in heaven and on earth and among all people.

*Prayer from Hallowed be Your Name: A collection of prayers from around the world, Dr. Tony Cupit, Editor.

Prayer: The Request for Presence
O God of hosts, show us the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. — Psalm 80.7

– Prayer from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Full prayer available online and in print.

Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 14 (Listen – 3:51)
Matthew 28 (Listen – 2:39)

Additional Reading
Read More about Not Abandoned :: Worldwide Prayer
Yet you were there, in the midst of my despair,
You did not abandon me the way I did you.

Readers’ Choice
In August we will look back at our readers’ favorite posts of the year. Submit a Readers Choice post.
Tell us about a post and what it meant to you. What post challenged you?