April 2, 2017 5th Sunday of Lent-A

Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm 130

Romans 8:8-11

John 11:1-45

I will put my spirit in you that you may live… Ezekiel 37:14

Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”  John 11:39

Lord, as we hear of you giving life to Lazarus by raising him from the dead we look forward to two weeks from now and Easter Sunday.  You came among us to give us life in abundance.  But sometimes we can fall short of living your dream for us.  Lazarus was in a cave behind a large stone.  Do I, Lord, have a large stone blocking me from living the life you want for me?  Today is a good day to examine what is holding me back from experiencing the life you offer.  Show me, Lord, the stone that is hindering me from victory.  No stone is too big for you to move.  It’s time to let go of doubts and negative thoughts and go free because you want me, like Lazarus, to live.  May your Spirit, Lord, guide me in prayer, cleanse my heart and light my path to you.  Thank you, Jesus, for moving my stone and setting me free.  Amen.