Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Long ago, the world waited for a special light. When Jesus was born, he began to brighten the world. (Light a candle.) Jesus’ light filled the world when he rose from the dead. This light will never go out. On the day of our Baptism Jesus’ special light brightens our hearts. Christ asks us to let his light shine in our lives. What a beautiful gift! Let us pray. Lord, we gather to celebrate the great feast of your Son’s Resurrection. We rejoice in your great love for us. Help us always to let the light of your love shine in our lives. We ask this in the name of the risen Lord.
All		Amen. Alleluia!
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of Luke. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James took spices to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. They found the entrance to the tomb open. Jesus was not there. Instead, two men in dazzling robes stood there. The women were frightened and bowed their heads. The men said, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Jesus is not here. He has been raised. The women ran to tell the apostles, who did not believe them at first. Peter himself ran to the tomb and found it empty. He was amazed at what had happened. (based on Luke 24:1–12)
PRAYER RESPONSE (Child holding holy water steps forward.)
Leader		During Easter, water is blessed. At Baptism, holy water is used. Water is a sign of new life in Jesus.
All		Thank you, Jesus.
(Child with oil steps forward.)
Leader		Oil is a sign of strength. In Baptism we are blessed with oil. We want to be strong. We want to follow Jesus.
All		Thank you, Jesus.
(Child with white cloth steps forward.)
Leader		A white cloth is a sign of new life. In Baptism we have new life in Christ. We praise God for our life in Jesus.
All		Thank you, Jesus.
(Child with candle steps forward.)
Leader		A candle is a sign of light. We are children of the light. We keep the flame of Jesus’ love in our hearts.
All		Thank you, Jesus.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Let us pray. Lord, at our Baptism we are born anew. During this Easter season your Son’s Resurrection strengthens us. May we always be Easter people and celebrate our life in Christ. Let us go now with the light of your love shining brightly for the entire world to see. We ask this through your risen Son, Jesus. Alleluia!
All		Amen. Alleluia!