Prayer for Remembering the Ascension – Acts 1: 1 -11
Acts 1:1-11
1:1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach
1:2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
1:3 After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
1:4 While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me;
1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
1:6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”
1:7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.
1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
1:9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
1:10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.
1:11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
The disciples are gazing up.
Jesus is gone.
They continue to stare up into the sky – Surely they were amazed and confused by what they had just witnessed.
Suddenly two men in white robes were there.
Why do you stand there looking up?
Great question.
Maybe they needed a bit of time to take it all in.
Maybe they needed someone to point out the obvious and encourage them to get on with the ministry that they had been called to.
Maybe they just needed a little reassurance that they are not alone.
Gracious God,
our Savior Jesus Christ
ascended above all heavens
that he might fill all things.
Deepen our faith and strengthen our trust
that, as he promised,
remains with us always,
even to the end of time.
When the days are difficult
and the burdens of this world weigh heavily upon us,
open our eyes to the places where Christ still abides:
in the holiness of worship,
in the welcome of the community,
in the laughter, wonder, and joy of children,
in bread shared with those who are hungry,
in justice sought for those separated and cast aside,
in voices raised for peace and reconciliation,
and in the quiet tenderness
of holding the hand of one nearing life’s end.
May the knowledge of Christ’s presence among us
strengthen our spirits,
steady our courage,
and comfort our hearts
this day and in the days to come.
Amen.
Adapted from the Book of Common Worship – PCUSA
