The Lord is Risen - a prayer for Easter Sunday

Christians are being urged to come together in prayer at 7pm to mark Easter Sunday.

Thirteen Christian churches and organisations across the country, including the Church of Scotland, are standing together in solidarity against the Covid-19 outbreak.

With all God's people, we heard it announced on the morning of this day - 'The Lord is risen! - He is risen indeed!'

In a statement, the 13 churches and organisations said: "Alongside this, we are deeply conscious that our society is facing a challenge whose depth and scale we are only truly beginning to comprehend.

"The challenge that the disciples faced on the first Easter Sunday was to comprehend the significance of the resurrection of our Lord, and thereafter to bear witness to that in the world of their day.

"Our calling is to do the same, by bearing witness through acts of love and compassion."

We pray

Lord, it feels as if we've been walking in the Good Friday shadow of the cross

feeling disorientated, concerned and filled with heartache

praying for healing for those poorly, whether government leader or more personally known; and comfort for those bereaved

expressing thanks for the selfless dedication of NHS staff, those delivering social care, and everyone ensuring that essential services and supplies are maintained, in company with those who volunteer

Lord, as we journey on, help us now to embrace the dawning Easter joy of the cross

encountering, like the first disciples, the transforming wonder of Christ's resurrection

accepting, like the first disciples, that it may take time to comprehend the reality of Easter

reflecting new life through words and deeds. Hear us, and journey with us, in the name of the risen Christ

Amen

Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

Most Rev Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman Catholic Church

Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish Episcopal Church

Rev John Fulton, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland

Rev Dr David Pickering, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)

Rev Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland

Rev Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)

Rev May-Kane Logan, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland

Lt. Col Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army

Adwoa Bittle, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

Rev Jim Ritchie, District Superintendent, British Isles North District, Church of the Nazarene

Pastor Chris Gbenle, Provincial Pastor, Province of Scotland, Redeemed Christian Church of God

Bishop Francis Alao, Church of God (Scotland)/Minority Ethnic Churches Together in Scotland (MECTIS)