Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Today we celebrate our new life in Jesus. May the light of Christ shine in our lives and help us to live as children of the light.
All		Amen. Alleluia!
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of Luke. (Read Luke 24:1–10) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
RESPONSE
Leader		Let us pray. The people of Israel say, "God’s mercy lasts forever."
All		We give thanks to the Lord.
Leader		Let those who worship the Lord say, "God’s mercy lasts forever."
All		We give thanks to the Lord.
Leader		The Lord is my strength, and my courage is in the Lord. The Lord is my savior.
All		We give thanks to the Lord.
Leader		We sing to the Lord with joy, we cheer God’s victory.
All		We give thanks to the Lord. (based on Psalm 118)
CLOSING PRAYER (Light the Paschal Candle.)
Leader		Jesus is the light of our world; let us rejoice and be glad. Christ yesterday and today. Christ, the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega. All time belongs to the Lord through all the ages; to God be glory and power through all ages.
All		Amen. Alleluia!
Leader		May the light of Christ, rising in glory take away all darkness from our minds and hearts.
All		Amen. Alleluia!
Leader		This is a day for rejoicing. Let us go forth in the love and light of Christ Jesus to share our faith with everyone around us.
All		Amen. Alleluia!
CLOSING SONG