“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4

“Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Luke 24:26

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Praise and Thanksgiving

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2

1. Bless the Lord for the gift of life, for His protection over us and our families, for His daily providence, and for every healing He has graciously released among us. Thank Him for preserving us through dangers seen and unseen, and for strengthening and sustaining our faith through every season.

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

2. Thank the Lord for the Easter celebrations and for the messages we heard concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank Him for reminding us that Christ is risen indeed, for reinforcing our faith through His Word, and for causing His truth to remain alive in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives.

Prayer

1. Pray for grace to walk in the newness of life that Christ has secured for us through His death and resurrection. Ask that the power of the risen Christ will break every hold of sin, guilt, shame, and dead works, and cause us to live holy, transformed, and victorious lives.

2. Pray that our hearts may be firmly established in the truth and certainty of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to remove doubt, fear, and spiritual dullness, and to make us steadfast in faith, knowing that the resurrection is the foundation of our hope, our faith, and our future life in Christ.

3. Pray that we may live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit each day. Ask the Lord to help us depend on the Spirit of resurrection, so that we may walk in obedience, righteousness, and spiritual vitality, living as people who have truly received new life in Christ.

4. Pray for boldness to preach and proclaim Christ crucified and risen. Ask God to help us depend not on human wisdom, eloquence, or logic, but on the power of the Holy Spirit, so that our lives and words may clearly testify to the truth and transforming power of the gospel.