Holy Saturday Prayer by Rev William F Maestri 

Oh Lord, we not only fear the cross; in some ways we find ourselves in greater dread of the tomb. At least on the cross, there is still life. The tomb, however, is so silent, so final. Life it’s over.

Yet Lord, you enter the tomb and change its meaning. It is no longer a place of finality but a sign of hope. Yes we die. Yes we are laid in the tomb. But because you went before us, it is now a holy place. Your presence replaced our fear with hope.

O Lord, the tomb is a sign of hope because you will come forth from the tomb. Your resurrection is our hope of coming forth as well. We long for you to call us forth as you did Lazarus. However, at the call of your voice, we hope to come forth never to die again.

O Lord, on this holy Saturday let us be in the silence of the tomb. It is not a silence which fills us with fear, but I a sacred quiet that allows us to hear your word and see your presence. It is a silence of hope in the life that is about to burst forth.

Amen.