7th Sunday of Easter
May 17, 2026
Introduction
In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.
Lessons
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Acts 1:6-14
Jesus’ companions at prayer after his departure
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Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)
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1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
God will sustain and restore those who suffer
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John 17:1-11
Christ’s prayer for his disciples
Hymns:
674 Let Us Talents and tongues Employ
392 Alleluia, Sing to Jesus
538 The Lord Now Sends Us Out
Anthem: You Shall Have a Song
Communion Hymn:
656 Blest Be the Tie That Binds
Commentary
Overhearing Jesus
At the ascension we, like the disciples in today’s reading in Acts, are left looking at the sky. But in the High Priestly Prayer (John 17), Jesus brings us back to earth. In the prayer he speaks not only from the perspective of the risen and ascended one, but as the Word of God, now made flesh. The prayer anticipates the accomplishments of this Word, which does not return empty (Isa. 55:11), namely in the fulfillment of the “hour” of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It is as if Jesus has already ascended “to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17), and has returned to tell us something vital.
As we overhear Jesus, we learn that God’s character and motive are identical to those of Jesus, who has now, fully and completely, “made God’s name known.” We no longer have to speculate about the nature of God. God’s purposes and love are made known in Jesus. But we also learn about ourselves. Jesus’ prayer frequently mentions the “world”—the world at once hostile to God and God’s anointed, and yet also beloved of God (John 3:16). With Jesus’ commissioning today we have our work to do, to make God known in and through Christ Jesus. The Living One works through us as “words within the world,” who no longer seek meaning among the dead, but are empowered to make known the vibrant, new reality of Easter.
A Prayer for Easter
Creator God and Lord of Life, You call us forth from the darkness of death and into the light of your love. We rejoice, on this Easter Sunday, in the resurrection from the dead of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Visit us with Your bright blessings of peace and life.
Lord God, You loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son so that we can be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace Of Easter Sunday, every day. Give us hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice, give us have eyes that look upon Your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace.
Father God, we thank you that for many generations your church has followed the example of those first disciples and proclaimed the resurrection of your Son. We pray that today your church throughout the world will continue to proclaim with joy the truth and wonder of your risen Son.
We pray that all Christians will work together to build up your family, and that any of your people being persecuted for their faith may find peace, hope and fresh strength in the good news of Easter.
Creator God, we thank you for the delightful sights and sounds of Spring, that show us the wonders of your creation. By your Spirit’s power make us aware of how we can be better stewards of your world, to care for it and everything that lives on it.
Merciful God, we thank you for all the efforts of Peacemakers around the world, working to bring peace to war-torn nations and trying to get waring people to talk to, and listen to each other. We pray that world leaders and people of influence would play their part too, that they would strive for truth, justice, reconciliation and peace around the world. We pray for all nations of the world, that people will learn to live together with respect and love for one another.
Faithful God, we thank you for our community, our families and friends. We thank you for the people who taught us about you by their lives, love and actions. We pray especially for those do not know you yet, that during the coming weeks they will come to understand more of the message of Easter and your promise of life and love for them, and that they may be drawn closer to you by our witness and the work of your Holy Spirit.
We pray that you will roll away their burdens, open their hearts to your peace and healing and fill their lives with the light of your glory.
Loving God, we thank you for all the people who have been working so hard over this last year, to care for those in our hospitals, the grieving, the panicking and the lost. We pray for all who feel trapped by pain, loss or depression, those who are suffering, physically, mentally or spiritually.
Faithful God, as we leave church today, we pray that we may shine your love in our families, our church and community, so that all can see that we are followers of the Risen Christ.
Amen