PRAYER IN PREPARATION: Alleluia! We praise you, O God, for the power of your saving love revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to see the new light of this day. Open our lips to tell of the empty tomb. Open our hearts to believe the good news. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 118)
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Alleluia! Christ is Risen indeed!
O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good, God’s steadfast love endures forever.
The Lord is my strength and my might; God has become my salvation.
Ring the chimes, make a joyful noise; join the dance of merrymakers!
This is the day that the Lord has made: we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Alleluia! Christ is Risen indeed!
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, our hearts ache for hope, our souls crave some fresh word of grace. Yet we are sophisticated people, and we are not easily surprised. We come this Easter morning neither frightened nor amazed. Our conclusions about the way the world works have long been made up, closed up, and sealed tight. Have mercy on us, O God, forgive us. Shake us with the astounding goodness of this day. Crack open our hearts and minds to fresh possibilities of life made new. Astonish us with your forgiveness. Grant that we may come to know the depth of joy this day holds forth.
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