Easter

Easter, the feast of Christ’s Resurrection, is the central celebration of the Christian liturgical year. The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith, hope, and courage. Through Jesus’ Resurrection, we too will rise from the dead one day, both body and soul. These prayer celebrations will help participants share prayer during this holy season.

Liturgy–Stations of the Resurrection

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Jesus Christ has risen!
All		Allelluia!
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of John. (Read John 14:6-17.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
STATIONS
Leader		During the fifty days of the Easter season, we experience in gladness the Stations of the Resurrection. Let us proceed in peace.
All		In the name of the Lord. Amen. Alleluia! (Cross bearer proceeds to first station.)
Reader 1		God, our Father, you raised Christ your Son who conquered death. You opened the way to life.
All		Be with us as we rejoice in this new life. (Cross bearer proceeds to second station.)
Reader 2		God of endless mercies, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, we give thanks for your many blessings.
All		Reawaken our awareness of your blessings. (Cross bearer proceeds to third station.)
Reader 3		O God, grant that we may rise and come into the new light of your day and stand before you until eternity dawns.
All		Keep us in your light, O Lord. (Cross bearer proceeds to fourth station.)
Reader 4		Almighty and eternal God, renew our strength as we look to Christ, the good shepherd.
All		Strengthen us to be true witnesses to Christ. (Cross bearer proceeds to fifth station.)
Reader 5		God, our Father, by saving us you have made us your children in Christ. Grant us true freedom.
All		Show us how to share this freedom by treating others fairly. (Cross bearer proceeds to sixth station.)
Reader 6		Ever-living God, come to our aid as we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord.
All		Empower us to show in our lives the love we celebrate today. (Cross bearer proceeds to seventh station.)
Reader 7		Father, help us to remember that Christ who lives in you has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us now.
All		Renew our lives through the Spirit who remains with us. Amen.
BLESSING RITUAL
Leader		Lord God, we became one in Baptism. Help us to live always in the light and life of Christ’s Resurrection. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Play instrumental music. Using holy water, Leader makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of each participant. Each responds as he or she is blessed:)
All		Amen. Alleluia!
MUSIC: ”We Have Been Told,” “We Are Called, ” “With Hope and Healing” [Meditation], Blest Are WeCD 7-8; “Jesus is Risen,” Barbara Bridge (OCP Publications), “We Walk by Faith,” “Eye Has Not Seen,” Marty Haugen.