Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Jesus Christ has risen!
All		Allelluia!
Leader		Each year we celebrate the Easter story. We know that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead to live forever. He has won for us eternal life. We are called to share the good news with others.
All		Amen. Alleluia!
READING
Reader		A reading based on the Gospel of John. On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early in the morning. She saw the stone was removed as she came close, so she ran to get Peter and John. She told them she thought someone had taken the Lord’s body. Peter and John ran to the tomb. John was faster and arrived first. He looked inside and saw the burial cloths but did not go in until Peter arrived. Peter went inside and found the cloths there. John then entered the tomb, saw, and believed. The men returned home.
Leader		Mary must have been very upset when she discovered that Jesus’ body was gone. Think of the love for Jesus that Peter, John and Mary experienced, and the loss they must have felt.
All		Help us to hear and to believe.
Reader		Mary remained outside the tomb, weeping. She saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. They asked, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She answered, "They have taken my Lord and I don’t know where to find him." When she said this, she saw Jesus standing near her, but did not recognize him. Jesus asked her, "Why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Mary thought he was the gardener and said to him, "Sir, if you moved his body, please tell me where I may find it." Jesus replied, "Mary!" At the sound of her name, she knew this was Jesus.
Leader		Jesus calls us by name, too. Jesus knows each one of us. He rose from the dead so that we all might have eternal life.
All		Help us to hear and to believe.
Reader		That evening the disciples gathered in a locked room. Jesus suddenly came and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." He showed them his hands and his side so that they would believe. The disciples rejoiced that Jesus was alive.
Leader		Jesus offers each of us the peace of his Spirit. We are not to keep to ourselves our belief in the Resurrection. We are to spread that peace in the world around us. The Holy Spirit will help us to tell the story of Jesus.
All		Help us to hear and to believe.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Heavenly Father, during this Easter season we listen to the story of Jesus’ Resurrection. Deepen our faith and help us to share you peace with all whom we meet. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
All		Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia!
CLOSING SONG