by Andrew Stephens-Rennie (with special thanks to the lads in u2)

Lord Jesus Christ, we come before you this morning, in awe of your risen majesty. When all seemed bleak, when we had almost given up hope, you conquered sin and death. This morning, as we revel in disbelief, and glory in your resurrection, we pray saying

Lord, take our hearts and make them brave.

God of all, we come before you this morning with great thanks for a love that endures forever. We pray this morning for your church, that we may live as a resurrection people. As we carry the scars of Good Friday into the world, and as our church is constantly being reborn, we ask that you give us strength to minister in the midst of our ever-changing communities.

This morning we pray for your one, Holy, catholic and apostolic Church throughout the world. We pray for denominational leaders, for pastors, priests, elders, deacons and ministers, and all who witness to the good news of your life, death and resurrection with their lives.

Lord, take our hearts and make them brave.

Take these shoes click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes and make them fit
Take this shirt polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt and make it clean
Take this soul stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul and make it sing

Yahweh, there is always pain before a child is born. Yahweh, even as we celebrate your victory over the grave, there are many amongst us still waiting for the dawn.

Lord, take our hearts and make them brave.

This morning we pray for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority. We pray for every community across our country, as we prepare to vote. May we vote as a kingdom people, seeking good news for the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and justice for the oppressed, as we, with Jesus, proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.

Lord, take our hearts and make them brave.

Take these hands, teach them what to carry
Take these hands, don’t make a fist
Take this mouth, so quick to criticize
Take this mouth, give it a kiss

We pray for our local community. For the neighbours who surround us. For refugees, for those in poverty, and those pushed to the margins. Help us to seek first your kingdom here on earth. We pray for all who are travelling this Easter weekend, that you would keep them in your care.

Lord, take our hearts and make them brave.

We pray for all those we know in some kind of distress, sickness, trial or trouble, naming them silently and aloud [we name our prayers].

This morning, especially, we remember those who have died in this previous year. We remember, especially [we name those who have died].

Bring strength to their families, friends, and all who mourn their loss. Yahweh,we know there is always pain before a child is born. And we beg to know, why the dark must come before the dawn. Even so, this morning we commit all things to you, saying:

Take this city, a city should be shining on a hill
Take this city, if it be your will
What no one can own, no one can take
Lord, take our hearts,
Take our hearts and make them brave.

Andrew Stephens-Rennie

Andrew is a writer, dreamer and organizer with a keen interest in developing leaders in faith, compassion and justice.

He currently serves as the Director of Missional Renewal for the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay on the unceded territories of the Sinixt, Syilx, and Ktunaxa nations. He previously served as the Director of Ministry Innovation at Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, BC.

Andrew is cofounder and contributing editor at www.empireremixed.com, and co-editor of "A Sort of Homecoming: Essays Honoring the Academic and Community Work of Brian Walsh" with Marcia Boniferro and Amanda Jagt.