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the beauty of lent

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the beauty of Lent

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Embrace "The beauty of Lent" and join us as weembark on a journey of reflection and prayertogether!So the 40 days of Lent might not technically includeSundays, but hey, who’s counting? We've made sureto include enough so that if you decide to sprinkle alittle prayer on Sundays too, you'll still be wrappingit up with an Easter bow.Now, we get it – life is busy, and sometimes thoseprayer intentions sneak away from us. So feel free toskip Sundays or treat those extra days as yourtrusty prayer safety net for those moments whenlife throws you a curveball. (And let’s face it, ithappens!)Lent isn't just another habit or tradition. If Christmas is the perfect season to soak in the loveof God, Lent is a fantastic time to hit pause, reflect,and truly grasp the mind-blowing sacrifice Jesusmade for us on the cross.So, buckle up, get cozy with your prayer journal, andlet’s journey through Lent together. It's not justabout ticking off days; it's about tapping into theprofound love and sacrifice that defines our faith.You've got this!

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How to....PRAYER: This is our time to reconnect with thegracious God who adores us, appreciating the pathpaved by our Saviour for a renewed and lovingrelationship. Each day has a suggested prayer to helpguide and focus our thoughts on the theme of theday. REFLECT: This is followed by a Reflective Question,something to trigger a response, something to ponderor something to commit to.READ: Each days theme is rooted in the Bible and thedaily verse(s) to help build on the truth thatscripture offers. WORSHIP: For those of us that enjoy making (orlistening to) music we’ve included a sugguestedWorship Song that follows the daily theme anc canbe used as part of the reflection time. RAK: Finally there is a Random act of Kindness thatgives a practical element to the daily theme.So share our prayer, read the bible verse, take amoment to worship and let the spirit of Lent guideus towards deeper understanding and a flourishingconnection with our Heavenly Father. #LentenReflections #PrayTogether#FaithfulJourney

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Ash Wednesday: Prayer of AdorationGod, You are truly amazing. Not only did Youcreate the entire universe with nothing morethan the sound of Your voice, but You trulycare about Your creation–each and every oneof us! You are holy. You are good. You aretrue. You are love. And You never everchange. Thank You for everything You are,and thank You for loving me.What aspect of God's creation amazes you themost?Psalm 104:24-30So Will I (100 Billion X) - Hillsong United Leave an uplifting message on a publicbulletin board..

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Day 2: Prayer of Thanksgiving for BlessingsGod, thank You for all the blessings You havegiven me–blessings way beyond what I couldever hope to deserve. Thank You for [specificblessings]. You are such a good God. ThankYou for always taking such good care of me.What specific blessing are you most thankfulfor today?James 1:17Goodness of God - Bethel MusicWrite a positive note and leave it for acolleague or friend.

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Day 3: Prayer of Thanksgiving for LoveGod, before I even took my first breath, Youalready knew me and loved me. Thank Youfor sending Your love through Your son,Jesus, who died for my sins. I cannot evenfathom such sacrificial love. Thank You forthe gift of eternal life and the Holy Spirit.You have given me so much, even when I wasfar from You. Thank You!How does God's love inspire you to livedifferently?Jeremiah 1:5Reckless Love - Cory AsburyOffer to help someone carry their shopping

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Day 4: Prayer of RepentanceGod, I admit that I have fallen short of Yourbest for my life–more times than I can count!Please forgive me for all the times I havesinned against You and others. I was wrong,and I am truly sorry. Please forgive me for[specific sins]. If there are any additional sinsI’m still struggling with that I’m not aware ofyet, please let me know. I truly desire toplease You in every area of my life. Pleasehelp me to do so. I can’t do this without Yourhelp.What steps can you take to live more inalignment with God?1 John 1:9Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) - HillsongWorshipCompliment a stranger on something yougenuinely appreciate about them.

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Day 5: Prayer for Right PrioritiesGod, in today’s busy world, it’s so easy to getdistracted. Please help me keep my prioritiesin order, so I always give my most importantpriorities the time, attention, and devotionthey deserve. Please align my heart to Yours,so loving and following You is truly my #1priority. Help me also love my friends andfamily well and be a good steward of the giftsand responsibilities You have placed in mylife without getting distracted. Please giveme a kick when I need it, God. Help me followYou.How can you ensure God remains your toppriority today?Matthew 6:33First Love - Kari JobeHold the door open for someone.

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Day 6: Prayer for a Closer RelationshipGod, it’s so easy to get caught up in doingthings for You that I forget to spend enoughtime simply being with You. Please help megrow in close, intimate relationship with Youas I pray each day. I don’t just want to know afew things about You, God. I want to knowYou and be known by You. Matthew 7:7promises, '…seek and you will find…' I’mseeking YOU today, God. Please revealYourself to me in mighty ways.In what ways can you deepen yourrelationship with God?James 4:8More Like Jesus - PassionSend a thank-you email or message tosomeone who has positively impacted yourlife.

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Day 7: Prayer for Increased FaithGod, I confess I tend to worry and play itsmall, doubting what You can do. But God,You created the universe! You conquereddeath! There’s nothing You can’t do. Pleasestrengthen my faith and help me to trust inYou for every one of my needs today.How can you actively express trust in Godtoday?Hebrews 11:1Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - HillsongUnited Offer your seat to someone on publictransportation.

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Day 8:Prayer for Wisdom and DirectionGod, while I have ideas about my future, Iknow Your plan surpasses mine. Please giveme wisdom, discernment, vision, anddirection as I make decisions today. Guide meinto a fuller relationship with You and keepme on track with Your will for my life.What decision are you facing that requiresGod's wisdom?Proverbs 3:5-6God I Look to You - Bethel MusicLeave spare change at a vending machine.

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Day 9: Prayer for PeaceGod, please give me the strength to make itthrough this day. I don’t know what You’reup to or what is going to happen, but You do.Please help me trust in You in all things, evenwhen the road isn’t easy or clear.How can you actively experience God's peacetoday?Philippians 4:6-7Surrounded (Fight My Battles) - Upperroom Bring in treats or snacks to share with yourcoworkers.

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Day 10:Prayer for JoyGod, the Bible tells us that when we are fullof Your Spirit, it produces joy in our lives.Fill me SO full of Your Spirit and Your lovethat I cannot help but be filled with joy. Idon’t ask You to take every hardship away,but to help me see my current situationthrough a lens of gratitude and joy. You knowwhat You’re doing, and You are in control.Help me find joy in that today!How can you cultivate joy in the midst ofchallenges?Galatians 5:22-23Joy of the Lord - Rend Collective Donate gently used clothing or items to alocal charity.

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Day 11: Prayer for PatienceGod, I admit I am not always patient.Sometimes, people annoy me, and sometimes,I insist on having things my way right now.Help me grow in patience. Help me to trustYou even when I don’t yet see what You’re upto. Help me respond to those around me withan extra dose of love and patience.How can patience strengthen yourrelationships today?Colossians 3:12Waiting Here for You - Martin SmithHelp a neighbour with a task or chore.

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Day 12: Prayer for Strength in Tough TimesGod, I am struggling to obey Your Word in[specific area of life]. Grant me endurance tokeep going. I want to follow You, even whenit’s hard, when I’m tired, or when I don’t seethe benefits right away. I need Your help tokeep going, Lord. Please come through today.Where do you need God's strength in yourlife right now?Isaiah 40:31It Is Well - Bethel Music Pay for the coffee of the person behind youin line.

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Day 13: Prayer for EnduranceGod, I am struggling to obey Your Word in[specific area of life]. Grant me endurance tokeep going. I want to follow You, even whenit’s hard, when I’m tired, or when I don’t seethe benefits right away. I need Your help tokeep going, Lord. Please come through today.How can endurance deepen your relationshipwith God?Hebrews 10:36 "Build My Life" - Housefires Send a care package to a friend or familymember.

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Day 14: Prayer for GrowthGod, I know I’m a sinner saved by grace. Imess up all the time, and I have so much roomfor improvement. Foster spiritual growth inme. Give me opportunities to do the rightthing and the courage to do them. I want togrow spiritually. I want to be more like You.In what areas do you desire spiritual growthright now?2 Peter 3:18Spirit of the Living God - Meredith AndrewsPick up litter in your community.

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Day 15: Prayer for GenerosityGod, I can be selfish and self-centered withmy time, attention, and money. Open myeyes to the needs around me and help merespond generously. Teach me to considerothers before myself and be willing to sharewhat I have.How can you actively practice generositytoday?2 Corinthians 9:7Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters Volunteer at a local charity or organisation.

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Day 16: Prayer for Overcoming TemptationGod, I want to follow Your will for my life.Keep me safe from sin and temptation today.Provide a way out and give me the courage totake it, even when it’s not easy.How can you actively resist temptationtoday?1 Corinthians 10:13No Longer Slaves - Bethel MusicLeave unused coupons next to correspondingproducts in the store.

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Day 17: Prayer for PassionGod, I used to be passionate about You andYour Word, but lately, I’ve felt lukewarm.Please reignite the fire in me. Help me fall inlove with You and give me true passion forYou and Your Word above all else.What activities or habits reignite yourpassion for God?Revelation 2:4Set A Fire - Jesus CultureOffer to babysit for a friend or familymember.

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Day 18: Prayer for CourageGod, following You wholeheartedly isn’talways easy. Give me the courage to followYou anyway, even when it’s difficult, whenothers don’t understand, and I don’t seewhere You are leading me. Give me thecourage to be ALL IN.In what areas of your life do you needcourage from God?Joshua 1:9You Make Me Brave - Bethel Music Share a positive news story on social media.

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Day 19: Prayer for PurposeGod, I truly desire to fulfill YOUR purposefor me in this life, but sometimes I struggle toknow or understand what that is. Fill mewith a sense of purpose that comes from Youalone. Show me what You want me to do andgive me the strength and motivation to walkit out.What steps can you take today towardfulfilling your purpose?Jeremiah 29:11Living Hope - Phil Wickham Plant flowers or trees in a public space.

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Day 20: Prayer for TransformationGod, I don’t want to just do a few good thingsfor You. I want to be a brand-new creation.Transform my life, God. Make me more likeYou from the inside out.In what areas of your life do you seektransformation?2 Corinthians 5:17New Wine - Hillsong WorshipWrite and mail a handwritten letter to afriend or relative.

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Day 21: Prayer for Your HusbandGod, thank You for my life partner and for allthe ways they show up each day. Draw themto Yourself and give them an insatiable desireto know You better. Help them be the personYou desire them to be and lead our lifetogether well.How can you support and encourage yourspouse today?Ephesians 5:25-28How Deep The Father's Love For Us - StuartTownendPlace a positive body image notes in pocketsat a charity shop

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Day 22: Prayer for Your ChildrenGod, thank You for our children. Draw themto Yourself and hold them close. Help themgrow up to know, love, and serve Youthroughout their lives. Keep them in thecenter of Your will and provide me with thestrength, courage, and wisdom to raise themwell.How can you actively nurture your children'sfaith today?Proverbs 22:6Build Your Kingdom Here - Rend CollectiveLeave a positive review for a local businessyou appreciate.

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Day 23: Prayer for Your ParentsGod, thank You for my parents. Draw themclose to Yourself today. Give them peace, joy,strength, and wisdom in decision-making.Help them know, love, and serve You more.How can you honor and appreciate yourparents today?Proverbs 3:1-2Good Good Father - Chris Tomlin Paint someone else’s nails or do a facialtogether.

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"Here As In Heaven" - Elevation Worship Proverbs 17:17 "Here As In Heaven" - Elevation Worship Leave an encouraging note for a coworker orroommate.Day 24: Prayer for your friends God, be close to my friends today. Help themknow, love, and serve You. Guide themthrough temptations and struggles, visible orhidden. Enable me to be a positive influenceand encouragement in the lives

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Day 25: Prayer for AcquaintancesGod, today I lift up my daily prayers for[specific neighbors, coworkers, churchmembers, or acquaintances]. Draw them toYourself, and help me be an inspiration andencouragement to them. Give meopportunities to share my faith and what Youare doing in my life in a way that they canreceive and benefit from. Thank You forbringing these people into my life.How can you share your faith in a relatableway today?Colossians 4:5-6The Stand - Hillsong UnitedReturn shopping trolleys for people at thestore

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Day 26: Prayer for Love for OthersGod, it’s easy to get wrapped up in my ownlife and worries. Help me love others the wayYou love them. Notice the needs around meand genuinely care enough to go out of myway to help those in need of help, strength,and encouragement today. Help me care, andhelp me love like You love.How can you actively express love to thosearound you?1 John 4:7-8What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship Buy a small gift for a friend, just because.

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Day 27: Prayer for Your CountryGod, sometimes it feels as though ourcountry has strayed far from Your ideals, butI know You are a God of miracles. Change thehearts of the people in our country. Givethem a longing to return back to You, and letit start with me.In what ways can you contribute to positivechange?2 Chronicles 7:14Way Maker - Sinach Send a surprise delivery of food or snacks tosomeone you care about.

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Day 28: Prayer for the WorldGod, I know Your heart must break whenYou see all the evil, sickness, and injustice inthe world. Do mighty works in this world.Protect us and draw us all to You as only Youcan do. Use me in whatever capacity You can.Show me how to help. I want to be a part ofYour work, God.How can you be a positive force for globalchange?Psalm 46:10Raise a Hallelujah - Bethel MusicSay “hello” to strangers and smile

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Day 29: Prayer for an End to SufferingGod, the Bible tells us that You are near to thebrokenhearted. Be near to all those who aresuffering today. Bring healing and reliefwhere You want to bring healing and bringstrength and courage to those who need towait a bit longer. Thank You for all You aredoing that we aren’t even aware of. Help mealways trust Your way is best.How can you support those experiencingsuffering?Psalm 34:18It Is Well - Bethel MusicPurchase extra dog or cat food and bring it toan animal shelter

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Day 30: Prayer for Strength Against SatanGod, please protect me, my friends, and myfamily against the realities of spiritualwarfare today. Keep us safe fromunnecessary battles, and give us the strengthand courage to boldly fight where You areasking us to fight. Help us cling to Your Wordand Your truth. Help us persevere until theend. I put my trust in You today, God.How can you actively stand firm againstspiritual challenges?Ephesians 6:10-11No Weapon - Fred HammondCook a meal for a neighbour or friend in need.

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Day 31: Prayer for Spiritual LeadersGod, be with our church and our nation’sspiritual leaders today. Give them wisdom indecision-making and the strength to followYou wholeheartedly, even when it’s difficultor unpopular. Help them lead well, drawingall of us straight back to You.How can you support and pray for yourspiritual leaders?Hebrews 13:17Build Your Kingdom Here - Rend CollectiveLeave uplifting and inspiring sticky notes inpublic places.

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Day 32: Prayer for Political LeadersGod, while I may not agree with all thedecisions our nation’s political leaders make, Iknow that You have allowed them to beplaced into those positions. Draw our nation’sleaders back to You. Show them what itmeans to have a true relationship with Youand help them follow You, even when it’sdifficult or unpopular. Raise up good, Godlyleaders for our country, and help me be lovingand respectful even when I disagree.How can you engage respectfully in politicalconversations?1 Timothy 2:1-2God of This City - Chris TomlinKeep an extra umbrella at work, so you canlend it out when it rains

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Day 33: Prayer for Business LeadersGod, be with our nation’s business leaderstoday–both those who oversee largebusinesses and those who oversee small ones.Help them make wise decisions that willpositively impact the people who work intheir companies and our nation’s economy asa whole. Bring them back to You and helpthem focus on Your will, not just what isprofitable or popular.How can business decisions positively impactothers today?Proverbs 16:3Do It Again - Elevation WorshipLeave a generous tip for your server at arestaurant.

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Day 34: Prayer for Cultural LeadersGod, many in our culture are looked up to,and not all send the right messages. Draw ournation’s cultural leaders back to You. Bringabout a revival. Give a greater voice to thosewho speak Your truth, and quiet those whospeak against You. Change our nation’sculture as only You can.In what ways can you contribute to positivecultural change?Matthew 5:14-16Here I Am to Worship - Tim HughesBring in breakfast or snacks for yourcoworkers.

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Day 35: Prayer for the UnchurchedGod, I lift up to You all those who don’t yetknow You. Open their hearts to Your loveand forgiveness. Help me be a positiveexample of Your love to those who have yetto experience it. Give me the words to sayand the actions to take to help lead them toYou.How can you actively share your faith withothers today?Matthew 9:37-38O Praise the Name (Anástasis) - HillsongWorshipWhile you’re out, compliment a parent onhow well-behaved their child is

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How can you support and encourage the sicktoday?Isaiah 53:5Healer - Kari Jobe Send a thank-you card to your localfirefighters, police officers, or healthcareworkers.God, today I pray for the sick. You are thegreat Healer. Heal those You choose andprovide strength and peace for those stillwaiting.Day 36: Prayer for the sick

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Day 37: Prayer for Those We Disagree WithGod, soften tensions with those I disagreewith. Help us listen, have mature discussions,and let Your truth be known. Make ourconversations pleasant and fruitful.How can you engage in respectful dialoguewith those you disagree with?Ephesians 4:2-3Even If - MercyMe Learn the names of people you see every day.Greet them by name.

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Day 38: Prayer for Forgiveness for OthersHow can forgiveness bring healing to yourrelationships?Matthew 6:14-15Forgiven - Crowder Feed the ducks God, help me forgive those I struggle with.Give me strength and courage, rememberingYour forgiveness for me. Strengthen me to dowhat is right today.

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in what ways can you actively show love toyour enemies? Matthew 5:44-45"Love One Another" - Newsboys Create a care package for a homeless personwith essential items."God, help me see all people as Your creation.Bless my enemies, and change their hearts.Guide me in responding with love andkindness."Day 39: Prayer for Our Enemies

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Day 40: Prayer for Family RelationshipsGod, today I lift up to You all therelationships in my family. Help us to loveand support each other well. Where there aretensions or misunderstandings, bring peaceand understanding. Help us to be a source ofstrength for one another and a positiverepresentation of Your love.How can you actively contribute to familyunity today?Colossians 3:14The Blessing - Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes,Elevation WorshipTape coins around a playground for kids tofind

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Day 41: Prayer for Christian UnityGod, Your Word tells us that the world willknow us by our love for each other. Pleasehelp us as Your church to show the worldwhat real love looks like. Help us to beunified. Set aside our differences and focuson what unites us in You.How can you contribute to unity within theBody of Christ?John 17:23Bind Us Together - Bob Gillman Take muffins or cookies to your locallibrarians/community group

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Day 42: Prayer for RESTGod, in the midst of our busy lives, we needrest. Help me to find moments of rest andrejuvenation today. Quiet my mind and giveme the peace that comes from knowing Youare in control. Thank You for being mysource of rest and strength.How can you prioritize rest and rejuvenationtoday?Matthew 11:28-30Rest - Francesca Battistelli Tell a joke, make someone laugh.

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Day 43: Prayer for a Humble HeartGod, You resist the proud and give grace tothe humble. Help me walk in humility today.Keep me from thinking too highly of myselfand help me to see others as You see them. Iwant to be more like You, and that meansembracing a spirit of humility in all areas ofmy life.In what areas of your life do you need tocultivate humility?Philippians 2:3-4Humble and Kind - Tim McGrawOffer to take a friend or family member'schildren to the park.

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Where do you need to cultivate contentmentin your life?Philippians 4:12-1310,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - MattRedman Email or write to a former teacher whomade a difference in your life.God, Your Word tells us that godliness withcontentment is great gain. Help me to becontent with what I have today. Keep mefrom comparing myself to others or longingfor things that aren’t part of Your plan forme. Help me find true contentment in You.Day 44: Prayer for Contentment

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Day 45: Prayer for gratitude God, thank You for the many blessings Youhave given me. Help me to be grateful forboth the big and small things in my life.When I’m tempted to complain or focus onwhat I lack, redirect my thoughts toward allthe good You have provided. Make gratitude anatural response in my heart.What specific things are you thankful fortoday?1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Thank You Lord - Don MoenPut your phone away while in the companyof others

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Easter Sunday: Prayer of CelebrationGod, thank You for the ultimate sacrifice ofYour son, Jesus, and for the victory we havein His resurrection. Today, we celebrate thehope and new life we have because of Yourlove. Thank You for making a way for us to bein relationship with You. Hallelujah! HappyEaster!What does the resurrection mean for yourlife today?1 Corinthians 15:55-57Resurrecting - Elevation WorshipSimply smile and be friendly to everyone youencounter throughout the day.