Loving God, on this fifth Sunday of Lent, we turn to your Word in John 11:1-45, where we see the power and compassion of your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank you for this story of resurrection and hope, which reminds us of the victory that we have through Christ over sin and death.

We pray that you would help us to have faith like Martha and Mary, who trusted in Jesus even in the midst of their grief and sorrow. May we trust in your promise of eternal life, and find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus has gone before us to prepare a place for us.

We pray for those who are experiencing loss, grief, or illness, and ask that you would comfort them with your presence and your peace. May they know that you are with them always, and that you care for them deeply.

We pray for our world, which is broken and hurting. We ask that you would bring healing and reconciliation to those who are divided, and that you would bring justice and mercy to those who are oppressed and marginalized.

We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us and who rose again to conquer sin and death. May we follow him faithfully, trusting in his grace and mercy to guide us on our journey of faith.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.