Easter Vespers for Sunday, April 4

Easter Vespers from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

---

Opening:

Alleluia!
By death, Christ tramples death.
On those in the tombs, he bestows new life.
Alleluia!

Prayer:

God of victory over death, your Son revealed himself again and again to convince his followers of his glorious resurrection: Grant that we may know his risen presence, in love obediently feed his sheep and care for the lambs of his flock, until we join the hosts of heaven in worshiping you and praising the one who is worthy of blessing and honor, glory and power, for ever and ever. Amen.

Praise

Light of the World Phos hilaron

Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.

Scripture

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” John 21:16

Meditation

“The future will be different if we make the present different.” –Peter Maurin
How will we make the future different by caring for others now?

Confession

During the joyful season of Easter, the Confession of Sin is omitted in order for worship to emphasize the celebration of redemption and new life that are characteristic of this season.

Assurance of Pardon

We know that our old self was crucified with Christ so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. … So you must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:6, 11

Prayers

Jesus, in your life we receive life:
Raise us to the new life of grace.

You look with compassion on our human failings:
Raise us to the new life of grace.

We proclaim the hope of your resurrection as we offer you these prayers:

[add particular intercessions or thanksgivings]

You make us bearers of hope in a world of suffering and despair:
Raise us to the new life of grace.

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, 
     hallowed be your Name, 
     your kingdom come, 
     your will be done, 
         on earth as in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
Forgive us our sins 
     as we forgive those 
         who sin against us. 
Save us from the time of trial, 
     and deliver us from evil. 
For the kingdom, the power, 
     and the glory are yours, 
     now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of the bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.

Going Out

Alleluia!
By death, Christ tramples death.
On those in the tombs, he bestows new life.
Alleluia!