Easter Sunday Worship Prayers

 CENTERING PRAYER (The Gelasian Sacramentary, c. 500)

 

“The moment we have longed for has come; the night of our desires is here. What greater occupation could there be than for us to proclaim the power of your resurrection! This was the night when you shattered the gates of hell, and you took up the victory banner of Heaven. This was the night when you set us among the stars. When your mother Mary gave birth to you, she was overwhelmed with joy at your beauty. Now we are overwhelmed with joy at your power. The blood which flowed from your side has washed away our sins. Your body rising from the tomb has promised us eternal life. Eternal are the blessings which in your love you have poured upon us.”

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Rejoice and be glad:

This is the day that the Lord has made!

Rejoice and be glad:

Heaven and earth will never be the same!

Rejoice and be glad:

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Gracious God, we have heard the good news:

how on the third day, Christ rose again.

Still we look for the living among the dead.

You rolled away the stone from the tomb.

Still we look for the living among the dead.

You sent messengers to proclaim the gospel.

Still we look for the living among the dead.

You were faithful to your promise;

you have done wonderful things!

Still we look for the living among the dead.

 

[silent confession]

 

Forgive us, Lord, we pray.

Teach us to trust your promise

and to believe the good news of salvation:

Christ is alive; Jesus is risen from the dead. Amen.

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – WCF SC Q1

 

 

OFFERING

 

We belong to Christ Jesus; all things are his, for he is Lord of all.

 

Let us pray - We praise you, O God, and give you thanks

that you have given us such joy, such grace, and such hope,

in the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let our lives be proof of that good news.

Let all our words and actions, our love and service

bear witness to your resurrection power;

for the sake of our living Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov (1806 - 1858) – Painter (Russian