Easter Sunday & Week
Of Daily Easter Prayer
"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Opening Prayer:
Let us pray
that the Risen Christ will raise us up
and renew our lives.
God our Father,
by raising Christ your Son
you conquered the power of death
and opened for us the way to eternal life.
Let our celebration today
raise us up and renew our lives
by the Spirit that is within us.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Today's Readings
Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; John 20:1-9
Daily Meditation:
May our celebration
raise us up and renew our lives!
One of the great songs we often sing on Easter has the words,
"This is the feast of victory of our God. Alleluia!"
Everything with which we struggle,
and every hope and desire we have,
come together in this day.
The tomb is empty!
Sometimes Easter Sunday can be a busy day,
with visiting, meals, and travel.
Our prayer when we wake,
and our "calling to mind" throughout the day,
can help us remember what we are grateful for today.
There is Light in the midst of every darkness.
New life, ever lasting life is ours.
Our journey to the font of renewal
has helped us remember we have been placed with Jesus.
If we haven't done so at liturgy this morning,
we might renew our Baptismal promises today.
Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Christ is the Lord of life, raised up by the Father;
in his turn he will raise us up by his power.
Let us pray to him, saying:
Christ our life, save us.
Lord Jesus, light shining in the darkness, you lead your people into life, and give our mortal nature the gift of holiness,
- may we spend this day in praise of your glory.
Lord, you walked the way of suffering and crucifixion,
- may we suffer and die with you, and rise again to share your glory.
Son of the Father, our master and our brother, you have made us a kingdom of priests for our God,
- may we offer you our joyful sacrifice of praise.
King of glory, we look forward to the great day of your coming in splendor,
- that we may see you face to face, and be transformed in your likeness.
Closing Prayer:
Raise me up! Renew my life!
Father of life, I see the light again!
I was in darkness and had lost hope
but Jesus Christ, your son,
has won out over death - for me.
I celebrate today, your love, the life you give me.
I feel your presence as you breathe on my mind
and open my heart.
So many times in my life my eyes are closed
but today I see the risen Lord
in the breaking of the bread.
Thank you for this morning of hope,
thank you for such incredible love.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Monday of Easter Week Prayer
"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Opening Prayer:
Father,
you give your church constant growth
by adding new members to your family.
Help us put into action in our lives
the baptism we have received with faith.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son
who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit,
on God, for ever and ever.
The Readings Acts 2:14, 22-32; Psalm 16; Matthew 28:8-15
Daily Meditation:
Help us put our baptism into action.
Sometimes, we hardly believe that tomb is empty.
Sometimes, our grief holds a vigil outside many tombs.
This week we let the reality of the resurrection of Jesus penetrate our hearts.
We died with Jesus in baptism, and we will rise with him in glory.
We can pause throughout our day,
even while moving from one thing to another,
to remember what this day is about.
We may want to renew our Baptismal promises several times this week,
each time using our own words -
making our promises concrete,
as we reflect upon what would put our baptism into action in our lives.
The women were frightened and yet very happy,
as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew 28:8
Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
The Father glorified Jesus and appointed him heir to all nations.
Let us praise him, saying:
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
Lord Christ, by your victory you broke the power of evil and destroyed sin and death,
- make us victorious over sin today.
You laid death low, and brought us new life,
- grant that we may walk today in this new life,
You gave life to the dead, and led mankind from death to life,
- give eternal life to all those we shall meet today.
You brought confusion on the guards at your tomb, but joy to your disciples,
- grant the fullness of joy to all who serve you.
Closing Prayer:
Loving Father,
How do I live the baptismal promises
I made again over the weekend?
I want to live my life in service of you.
Help me to carry the gift of faith
I received from you.
Help me to welcome those
who joined the church in baptism.
Guide me and give me the courage
to live my faith, to accept your love.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Tuesday of Easter Week Prayer
"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Opening Prayer:
Father,
by this Easter mystery
you touch our lives
with the healing power of your love.
You have given us the freedom
of the children of God.
May we who now celebrate your gift
find joy in it for ever in heaven.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
The Readings Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33; John 20:11-18
Daily Meditation:
You give us the freedom of the children of God.
The opportunity to recognize the healing power of love
that has been offered us really does fill these days with power.
It is about recognizing Jesus alive, and Jesus with me now.
It is about freedom from fear, freedom for courageous love and service.
Mary turned around and saw Jesus standing there.
But she did not know who he was.
Jesus asked her,
"Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?"
John 20:14-15
Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
By his own power Christ raised up the temple of his body
when it had been destroyed in death.
With joy let us ask him:
Lord, share with us the fruits of your victory.
Christ our Savior, when you rose again
you brought to the holy women and the apostles
the joyful news of a world redeemed,
- make us witnesses to your risen life.
You promised to all people
that we would rise up again to newness of life,
- make us heralds of your Gospel.
You showed yourself to your apostles
and breathed the Holy Spirit on them,
- renew in us the presence of the same creator Spirit.
You promised to be with your disciples
to the end of the world,
- stay with us today, and remain with us always.
Closing Prayer:
Loving God,
I feel your healing touch deep in my soul.
I sense the power of Easter in your love for me.
It is the power of your love
that frees me to rely on your gentle care.
I am filled with joy at the many gifts you give me.
Let me now feel free to celebrate your love
and share it with others.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Wednesday of Easter Week Prayer
"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
on this solemn feast
you give us the joy of recalling
the rising of Christ to new life.
May the joy of our annual celebration
bring us to the joy of eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
The Readings Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105; Luke 24:13-35
Daily Meditation:
Give us the joy of this feast.
What transformation can happen in our lives
if we come to know that Jesus is with us in the breaking of bread -
whenever we share some of who we are with others in love,
wherever there is suffering and brokenness.
This is a great joy to desire and ask for.
Then Jesus asked the two disciples,
"Why can't you understand?
How can you be so slow to believe all that the prophets said?
Didn't you know that the Messiah would have to suffer
before he was given his glory?" ...
Then the disciples from Emmaus
told what happened on the road
and how they knew he was the Lord
when he broke the bread.
Luke 24:25-26; 35
Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Christ was given up for our sins and rose again to make us righteous.
Let us cry out to him, saying:
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Christ our Savior, in conquering death you brought us joy,
in rising again you raised us up and
filled us with the abundance of your gifts,
- stir up our hearts, and sanctify this day through the gift of your Holy Spirit.
You are glorified by the angels in heaven
and adored by mankind on earth; as we celebrate your resurrection,
- accept our worship in spirit and in truth.
Lord Jesus, save us; show your great mercy to your people,
as we look forward to our own resurrection,
- have mercy on us, and protect us today from every evil.
King of glory, source of our life, grant that, when you come again,
- we may be one with you in glory.
Closing Prayer:
Loving Father,
Do I feel this joy so deeply each year?
I know how solemn this season is
and yet I am overcome by sheer delight.
I celebrate this joyful time of remembering
how I am brought to new life
by the sacrifice your son made for me.
Help me to remember the invitation you extend
for me to rise to new life in you.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Thursday of Easter Week Prayer
"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Opening Prayer:
Father,
you gather the nations to praise your name.
May all who are reborn in baptism
be one in faith and love.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
The Readings Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8; Luke 24:35-48
Daily Meditation:
May we be one in faith and love.
The apostles' acts continue the work of Jesus,
through the ways they bring his liberating message and his healing.
And Jesus is very much with us this week, offering us his peace.
We ask to be able to share our faith and our love with others.
Jesus said,
"Why are you so frightened?
Why do you doubt? ...
...you must tell everything that has happened.
Luke 24:38, 48
Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Christ rose from the dead as the first fruits of those who sleep.
In our joy let us praise him, and say:
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, remember your holy Church,
built on the apostles and reaching to the ends of the earth,
- and let your blessing rest on all who believe in you.
You are the healer of soul and body,
- come to our aid, and save us in your love.
Raise up the sick and give them strength,
- free them from their infirmities.
Help those in distress of mind or body,
- and in your compassion lift up those in need.
Through your cross and resurrection
you opened for all the way to immortality,
- grant to our deceased brothers and sisters
the joys of your kingdom.
Closing Prayer:
Father,
we are scattered in this world
and so easily distracted from seeing you.
Help me to gather those around me
in your love.
Let me praise your name from my heart
and rejoice that I have been
reborn in baptism
through your faith and love for me.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Friday of Easter Week Prayer
"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Opening Prayer:
Eternal Father,
you gave us the Easter mystery
as our covenant of reconciliation.
May the new birth we celebrate
show its effects on the way we live.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
The Readings Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118; John 21:1-14
Daily Meditation:
Thank you for this covenant of reconciliation!
There are two powerful movements in our daily celebration of Easter.
We keep acknowledging the gift of new life that has been given us,
and we realize that we desire to gratefully respond
so that the effects of these graces
might be seen in the way we live -
in greater loving service of others.
Jesus asked a third time,
"Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus
had asked him three times if he loved him.
So he told Jesus,
"Lord, you know everything. You know I love you."
Jesus replied, "Feed my sheep.
John 21:17
Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Let us pray to God the Father,
who gave us new life through the risen Christ:
Give us the glory of your Son.
Lord our God, your might works have revealed your eternal plan:
you created the earth, and you are faithful in every generation,
- hear us, Father of mercy.
Purify our hearts with your truth,
and guide them in the way of holiness,
- so that we may do what is pleasing in your sight.
Let your face shine upon us,
- that we may be freed from sin and filled with your plenty.
You have the apostles the peace of Christ,
- grant peace to your people, and to the whole world.
Closing Prayer:
Lord God,
by the sacrifice of your son, Jesus,
you have helped me to forgiveness and reconciliation.
Help me to be more understanding,
to love as you have loved us --
utterly forgiving and forgetting of my many flaws.
Help me to live in this new way of loving
as I celebrate my new life in your Easter mystery.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Saturday of Easter Week Prayer
"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Opening Prayer:
Father of love,
by the outpouring of your grace
you increase the number of those who believe in you.
Watch over your chosen family.
Give undying life to all
who have been born again in baptism.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
The Readings Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 188; Mark 16:9-15
Daily Meditation:
Give us undying life.
There has been an outpouring of grace these holy days.
We ask that God continue to watch over us.
May our Lord, who gave us the grace for this wonderful journey,
continue to bless us in our every day life journey,
with the graces we need and desire along the way,
that we might be able to do wonderful things, in Jesus' name.
Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved.
But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.
Everyone who believes me will be able to do wonderful things.
By using my name they will force out demons,
and they will speak new languages.
They will handle snakes and will drink poison and not be hurt.
They will also heal sick people by placing their hands on them.
Mark 16:16-18
Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Christ is the bread of life; he will raise up on the last day
all who share the table of his word and his body.
In our joy let us pray:
Lord, give us peace and joy.
Son of God, you were raised from the dead to lead us into life,
- bless and sanctify all the children of your Father.
You give peace and joy to all who believe in you,
- grant that we may walk as children of the light, rejoicing in your victory.
Build up the faith of your pilgrim Church on earth,
- that it may bear witness to your resurrection before the whole world.
You suffered and so entered into the glory of the Father,
- change the tears of the sorrowful into joy.
Closing Prayer:
Loving Father,
I feel your love for me
and for all who have been brought into your family.
I ask you to watch over me
and let me feel the love you shower on me.
I have been born again in baptism
and long for the undying life you offer me.
Help me to share this gift of faith
you have bestowed on me.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.