A Prayer for Easter Monday

Yesterday was the first time in my life as a Christian that I was unable to attend church on Resurrection Sunday. It was equally sobering and uplifting. On the one hand, we know the church is not a building, but rather a collection and gathering of saints, living in community and walking in repentance. That being said, regardless of what may be culturally cool right now, the local church is needed. For those striving to truly serve, honor and glorify God in their lives, doing so without the community and support of other Christians is nearly impossible. One could even argue that attempting to do so without others is improbable. Sure, you don’t need to attend church to walk with the Lord, but odds are you are walking more closely with Him when you are with others. 

It’s that realization that made this Easter Sunday more difficult than others. I logged into my church’s website and fully engulfed myself in the service. I sang praise and worship from my living room and sat at my desk as the pastor delivered his sermon. I meticulously took notes on Mark 5. I felt rebuked, convicted and assured of my salvation. I closed my eyes for the benediction, or closing prayer and encouragement, and then that was it. The feed to the podium cut out. It was over.  

One of the best things about the local church is the community. Even when you’re new to a place of worship, the brief hellos and small talk given often provide positive energy. The exaltations can be just enough to get you encouraged for the week. The handshakes, pats on the back, and “God bless you, brother” mean more than me than I think I realized before. Particularly when you’ve been settled at a church for a long while, as the Bible intends, the post church fellowship can provide just as much life as the singing and sermon. 

Sure, some of these things can be replicated virtually, as you and your mates can gather for a Zoom lunch or prayer calls throughout the week. Regardless of how we try to replicate it though, it isn’t the same. That’s OK. I don’t think it’s intended to be. 

This Easter Monday, my earnest prayer is that we remain steadfast in our pursuit of the Lord’s fellowship. That we use this time of self-isolation and quarantine to lean into His work and His people. Now more than ever, we need one another. In particular, our brothers and sisters with less than ideal home lives can use a glimmer of hope. I pray that we recognize our privilege and the blessings God has bestowed on us, and that we commit to financial support of our churches and friends, family and members alike. More than anything, I pray we use this time to consider our own mortality. Not in a way that leads us to depression or anxiety, but enough for us to question (and then hopefully be assured) of our salvation in Jesus Christ. In the face of a global pandemic, when so many otherwise healthy people are falling ill, I pray we lean on the one that has conquered sickness. Christ rose on the third day so that we would no longer fear death. I pray that is our everlasting memory of this year’s Easter Sunday. 

*At time of posting, the sermon by Pastor David Platt at McLean Bible Church was unable to be retrieved from the churches website. You can check back for content availability here.