Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		The Lord has risen and lives among us. Like disciples down through the centuries, we seek to recognize this presence of the risen Christ with whom we hope to live eternally in love. Listen now to how two disciples met the risen Lord of life.
All		Amen. Alleluia!
READING
Reader 1		A reading based on the Gospel of Luke. It was the first day of the week. Two of the disciples were leaving Jerusalem walking toward the small town of Emmaus. They discussed all the sad things that had just happened. As they were talking, a man came and began to walk with them. He asked what they were speaking about. Cleopas asked the stranger if he were the only visitor to Jerusalem who had not heard of Jesus' crucifixion. The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reader 2		We have heard the story. We have walked with the Lord and know of his death for us. Jesus, we thank you for dying and rising to save us, your people.
All		We have not seen, but we believe. We believe and so we love. We love and so we live.
Reader 3		The disciples told the stranger about Jesus’ death. And, the stranger said, "Oh, how foolish you are! Did you not believe what the prophets had said? Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" He interpreted the prophecies about the Messiah.
Reader 2		We, too, have read the Scriptures. We have the word before us in the New Testament. Help us to believe, Lord.
All		We have not seen, but we believe. We believe and so we love. We love and so we live.
Reader 1		They approached Emmaus, The stranger started to leave, but the disciples urged him to stay. They prepared to have supper together. The stranger took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. They knew then that this was Jesus, but he vanished from their sight.
Reader 2		We, too, recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. He is with us each time we gather for the Eucharist. Help us, Lord, to meet you in the Eucharist.
All		We have not seen, but we believe. We believe and so we love. We love and so we live.
Reader 1		The two disciples looked at each other after Jesus had disappeared. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke the Scriptures to us?" They hurried back to Jerusalem and related to the other disciples what had happened.
Reader 2		The disciples were excited to discover Jesus with the breaking of the bread. In our excitement we, too, should share the story with others. This Easter season will deepen our knowledge that Jesus has risen and is with us.
All		We have not seen, but we believe. We believe and so we love. We love and so we live.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Loving God, you sent Jesus to be with us for all time. We celebrate his presence in the Eucharist. Help us to know him in the breaking of the bread. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus.
All		Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia!