An Ascension Day Prayer

Lord of heaven and earth,
forty days after Easter You led Your friends out toward Bethany.
You lifted up Your hands and blessed them,
and while You were blessing them,
You were taken up into heaven.

The last thing they saw of You on earth
was Your hands raised in blessing.
I want to remember that.
Whatever this day brings,
Your hands are still raised over us.

You are not gone. You are reigning.
You are not far off.
You are praying for us at the Father's right hand.
And You promised to be with us always,
to the very end of the age.

So keep me from just standing and staring at the sky.
Send me back into ordinary life, as You sent them,
full of joy and ready to speak of You.

In Your name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this on Ascension Day, the Thursday forty days after Easter, or on the Sunday after it. It can be prayed at home in the morning or after church, in a few quiet minutes.

A Verse to Hold On To

"When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven." — Luke 24:50–51 (BSB)