A Prayer at the Dawn of Resurrection
"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me." - Matthew 28:1-10
O Lord God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, as I come before You this day, my heart is filled with awe and gratitude for the miracle of the Resurrection captured in Matthew 28:1-10. After the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the sepulchre, showing their devotion and love for our Lord, Jesus Christ. Their journey in the early morning hours reflects the faithful hearts that seek You, and I, too, seek You this day, Father.
Almighty God, I thank You that on that glorious morning, as they approached the tomb, there was a great earthquake, a sign of the power and majesty that surrounded the very act of resurrection. For it was not just an event but a pivotal moment in history, where the chains of sin and death were shattered forever. I acknowledge the angel of the Lord who descended from Heaven, rolling back the stone, illuminating the darkness and revealing the truth that Jesus, who was crucified, is not here. He is risen, as He said!
Lord, what glorious words these are—"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said." How often in my own life do I doubt Your promises, or forget the power of Your resurrection? Help me to remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead resides within me through the Holy Spirit. May I always approach Your presence with reverence and joy, just as the women did that day, feeling the weight of fear and tremendous joy intertwine within me as they heard the angel’s proclamation.
Father, I beseech You to instill in me a spirit of boldness and hope, just as the angel instructed Mary and the other Mary to go quickly. May I be quick to share the good news of Your grace and love with those around me, to spread the message that Jesus is alive and that nothing is impossible for Him. Help me to relay this news with urgency and excitement, reminding others that You have gone before us and are waiting to meet us in our Galilee, in our moments of doubt and despair, guiding us toward joy and peace.
As I reflect on their departure—"with fear and great joy"—Lord, I ponder the beauty of complex emotions drawn together at that moment. Teach me how to hold both reverence for Your power and joy in Your promises. Help me to balance my awe of how You work in my life, while also rejoicing in the intimacy and love I have through our relationship. Help me run swiftly to tell others about Your miraculous providence, just as the women ran to bring Your disciples the Word.
And as the women encountered Jesus along their way—what a profound moment! When they came to hold Him by His feet and worship Him, I humbly come before You now to worship in spirit and truth. I lay my burdens at Your feet, held in reverence for all You have done and continue to do in my life. I thank You that You meet me in my journey, speaking peace into my fears: "Be not afraid, for I am with you."
May I live each day in the reality of Your resurrection, knowing that the stone has been rolled away from all that binds me. I pray for those who still seek, who yearn for answers in the void of uncertainty. May they encounter You as truly alive, guiding, and loving. Fill us with Your Spirit, and empower us to walk in the newness of life that follows the resurrection.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever, I offer this prayer. Amen.
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Matthew 28:1-10 Artwork
"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”" - Matthew 28:1-10
Matthew 28:1-10 - "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”"
Matthew 28:10 - "Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me."
Matthew 1:10
Matthew 1:10
Matthew 10:28 - "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
for the workman is worthy of his meat Matthew 10:10
for the workman is worthy his meat Matthew 10:10
for the workman is worthy of his meat Matthew 10:10
for the disciple is worthy of his meat Matthew 10:10
for the workman is worthy of his meat Matthew 10:10
for the workman is worthy of his meat Matthew 10:10
for the workman is worthy of his meat Matthew 10:10
Matthew 28:1 - "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."
wise as a serpent as innocent as doves Matthew 10:1-16
Matthew 1:10 - "And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;"
matthew 28:19
matthew 28:19
1 Chronicles 28:10 - "Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it."
1 Samuel 28:10 - "And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing."
MATTHEW 28: 23
Matthew 23:28
matthew 8:28
Matthew 28:11
Matthew 23:28
1 Kings 10:28 - "¶ And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price."
Matthew 28:19-20
"Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me." - Matthew 28:10
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28: 19-20