Holy Saturday 

 

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered his prayers with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death. On this day, we pray in Jesus’ name: O Lord, do not be far away; O God, come quickly to help us. Remember your church . . . Keep us faithful to the gospel, proclaiming the good news of salvation even in the face of danger and death. O Lord, do not be far away; O God, come quickly to help us. Remember your world . . . Rescue this perishing planet, condemned by human cruelty; do not let it be destroyed forever. O Lord, do not be far away; O God, come quickly to help us. Remember all nations . . . Break the sword and snap the spear; trample the high walls and thorny fences  that separate neighbors and nations. O Lord, do not be far away; O God, come quickly to help us. Remember those who face death . . . Restore the lives of those who suffer, give hope to those who are despairing, and welcome the dying into your arms. O Lord, do not be far away; O God, come quickly to help us. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, who suffered and died for our sakes. Amen.

 

Bartlett, David L.; Taylor, Barbara Brown; Long, Kimberly Bracken (2014-12-31). Feasting on the Word Lenten Companion: A Thematic Resource for Preaching and Worship (pp. 280-281). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.