Liturgy–New Life in Christ
Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Jesus Christ is risen, Alleluia! Alleluia!
All		Thanks be to God, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Leader		Lord God, through the death and resurrection of Christ, we now live as people of light and joy. Your love has brought light to the world! Be light for us now as we gather to offer you thanks and praise. Please come forward one at a time to light your candle. After you light your candle, share the name of a person who is an example of Christ’s presence to you. (Participants light candles and identify examples. Softly play instrumental music.)
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of Matthew. (Read Matthew 28:16-20.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
PSALM OF PRAISE
Group 1		Praise the Lord in his sanctuary, praise God in the firmament of his strength. Show praise for the mighty deeds of God, praise God’s great majesty.
All		Alleluia!
Group 2		Praise God with the blast of the trumpet, praise God with lyre and harp. Give praise with tambourines and dance, praise God with strings and pipe.
All		Alleluia!
Group 1		Praise God with sounding cymbals, give praise with clanging cymbals.
All		Alleluia!
Group 2		Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! [based on Psalm 150:1-6]
All		Alleluia!
RESPONSE
Leader		We are called to be open to the Lord’s presence. Where do we meet the Lord in our daily lives?
Reader		We meet the Lord each time we see new life. We see God in a smiling baby, a puppy wagging its tail, or in a kitten chasing a ball of yarn.
All		Lord, help us to see you in others.
Reader		We meet the Lord when we respond to those in need: a friend in need of comfort, parents asking for help, people waiting in a soup kitchen line.
All		Lord, help us to see you in others.
Reader		We meet the Lord through friendships: at lunch talking with friends, on the phone with our best friend, at a game when celebrating victory or experiencing defeat together.
All		Lord, help us to see you in others.
Reader		We meet the Lord when we show love: to our parents, by hugs shared when we are down, in phone calls to relatives far way, in concern for a close friend.
All		Lord, help us to see you in others. (Extinguish candles.)
BLESSING RITUAL (Leader blesses participants by making the Sign of the Cross on each forehead with water, calling each by name.)
Leader		May God bless you with Easter joy this day and each day of your life. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Each participant responds:)
All		Amen. Thanks be to God.
CLOSING SONG