Happy Easter!
Sign of the Cross
Opening Prayer
Reader: Let us pray. Father, we do not look for Jesus among the dead because he is alive. Help us to grow and to share his risen life. We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen.
Reading
Reader: A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Colossians
You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is not here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!
This is the Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Reflection
Reader: The celebration of Easter is for all Christians the highpoint of our year of faith. At Easter we celebrate the fact that Christ has risen from the dead and lives for all who place their hope in Him. At Easter we think of our loved ones who have died. Ultimately, at Easter we celebrate that God loves us so much that He gave His only son so that He might spend eternity with each of us. Easter is the greatest celebration of God’s unconditional and undying love for each of us; a love so strong that death cannot destroy it.
Easter celebrates the fact that God will not let anything stand in the way of His love for us. At Easter we celebrate that God’s love is so strong for us that He cannot wait to be with us in heaven. God loves us so much that He desires to be with us “today.” All that is required for this to happen is that we open our hearts to His presence.
Prayers of the Faithful
Response: Lord Hear our Prayer
Reader: For people who do not believe that Jesus is risen. Lord hear us.
Reader: For ourselves, that we might live as Jesus wants. Lord hear us.
Reader: That as we remember Jesus rising to new life, we may lead good lives. Lord hear us.
Reader: That all people may be happy because Jesus is alive. Lord hear us.
Lord’s Prayer
Please say the Lord’s Prayer together.
Closing Prayer
Reader: Father, may the risen Jesus who gave up his life for us live for ever in our hearts. May we also live our lives renewed with the love of God, and work hard towards reaching our goals. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Closing Song: Second Chance (Rend Collective Experiment)
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