First Week of Easter: From FEAR to LIGHT

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
”

— John 14: 27

Resurrection Morning

Light leaks into the morning sky.

sorrow slips away without a sound

We’ve waited long and patiently

in hope of the joy of lost and found.

Seemed such a long time coming

Weeping vigil in the wounded night

All us cowardly lions wondering

how this one will ever come round right.

(Chorus)

Only to you do we belong.

Let love displace our fear and make us strong.

Cheered by your promise and

moving to the rhythm of your song.

“Be of good cheer...” we heard the master say,

in the dark of the tribulation night.

Orient yourselves by my promise

expecting the resurrection light.

Now we’re looking east for the coming of the dawn

In these remaining shadows, what to say?

Hope’s horizon blushes for the night is nearly gone.

Lord, teach us to pray.

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God, we are consumed by the darkness and cannot find our way. It closes in around us and blinds us to all that is good and beautiful. And yet we trust that the darkness cannot overcome the light you give. Embrace us in your never-failing love, lead us to the edges of the darkness where the light first reappears, and give to us a hope which abides. In your Light, we pray, Amen.

Today’s devotion is by Pastor Steve Thompson (song) and Pastor Tom Jenkins (photo)

Pastor Steve serves Hope Lutheran In Jordan, MN. Before Hope, he served congregations in Aitkin and West Fargo.

Pastor Tom serves Mount Calvary Lutheran in Eagan, MN.

Permission granted to share with family and friends.