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Ascension Day Resources
Introduction to Ascension Sunday
The Ascension of Jesus took place in the presence of His disciples 40 days after the
Resurrection. It is traditionally thought to have occurred on Mount Olivet in Bethany.
According to the gospel writers Jesus was lifted up disappearing into the sky before their
eyes.
Ascension, according to the biblical witness, does not only refer to the literal "being lifted upwards" but also to a theological reality of Christ's new status of exaltation. Exaltation describes Christ's return to the throne of God - thus constituting a spiritual exaltation. Paul in Eph. 1:20-21 points out that following the resurrection our Lord was elevated above all possible rivals: "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."
Prayers & Invocations for Ascension Sunday:
Call to Worship
L: Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
P: To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.Or Psalm 47 or 93 responsively
Ascension Day Litany of Illumination
P:
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world,
C:
the light no darkness can overcome.
P:
Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,
C:
and the day is almost over.
P: Be
our light and scatter the darkness,
C:
and hear our evening hymns of praise.
P:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who led your people Israel with a
pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Enlighten our darkness by the light
of your Christ. May his Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; for you are
merciful, and you love your whole creation. We, your creatures, glorify you: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
Ascension Day Prayer of Preparation
Ever-living God,
your eternal Christ once dwelt on earth,
confined by time and space.
Give us faith to discern in every time and place
the presence among us
of him who is head over all thinks and fills all,
even Jesus Christ our ascended Lord. Amen.
Ascension Day Prayer--Petitions by the People
P: Blessed
Jesus, you ascended to the right hand of your Father’s majesty, power, and glory and
now reign as eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
C: We praise you for your
victory over sin, death, Satan, and hell.
P:
O ascended Prophet, equip your church to proclaim the precious gospel message of
God’s love for all the world.
C:
Give courage to our hearts, power to our words, and success to our efforts.
P: O
ascended High Priest, represent us before the Father as his own dear children and heirs. Defend us against Satan’s every accusation. Ask for the Father’s rich blessings in our
everyday lives.
C:
Plead for his mercy and grace on our behalf.
P: O
ascended King, direct the affairs of governments and nations that they may serve the best
interest of your church.
C:
You are our Lord, Master, and King.
Special prayers and intercessions may
follow.
P: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our
private petitions.
Silent prayer.
P: As
the disciples lifted their eyes to watch your ascension, so lift our eyes daily to look
for your coming again in glory.
C: Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and
the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: Amen.
O God, the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven.
Do not leave us comfortless,
but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us,
and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Hymns Suggestions:
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Holy, Holy, Holy
Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
Holy God We Praise Thy Name
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
Christ is the World's Light
Hail Thou Once Despised Jesus
Jesus Shall Reign
Hail Thee Festival Day (Ascension Stanza)
Chorus Suggestions:
He is Exalted
Hosannah in the Highest
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
Holy Ground
He is Lord
I'm Forever Grateful
Shout to the Lord
I stand in Awe
