Join the global wave of prayer between Ascension and Pentecost in which Christians from many denominations pray for more people to come to know the love and peace of Jesus Christ. You are invited to take part during May for 10 days and to do so in your own way. We hope you do because you will be joining in with Christians from churches from over 85 different denominations and traditions in over 172 countries around the world.For those of you who need or want it, the Church of England website has a range of resources to support you in this wave of praying. See also what the Archbishop has to say about it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSa3TemZwS0
Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia, Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia.A Thought for today Today we reflect on the early morning of the third day after Jesus’ death. The sealed tomb was open. Jesus’ body was gone. Men in dazzling white said Jesus was not here. Later a range of people met with a risen Jesus who they did not at first recognise. This is not a myth - it is the witness testimony of people who were there. Testimony handed to us so that we too may believe. Easter Prayer Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of Jesus overcame the old order of sin and death: make all things new in him and grant that we may reign with him in glory by becoming dead to sin and alive in Jesus. AMENPrayer of blessing May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.Closing Note: This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope in these quite extraordinary times.
Service of LightLighting of the Easter CandleWith the building in darkness, the ministers go in silence to the main entrance carrying the unlit Easter Candle. The president says: This is the night in which our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life. The Church invites her members throughout the world to gather in prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord through which we share in his victory over death.A minister prays: Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night, for the love of your only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.A minister reads these verses: In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. Genesis 1.1A new fire is lit and the Easter Candle is lit. The president says: Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: set us aflame with the fire of your love, and bring us to the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Marking of the Easter Candle Christ yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega, all time belongs to him, and all ages; to him be glory and power, through every age and for ever. Amen.By his holy and glorious wounds may Christ our Lord guard and keep us. Amen.Procession into ChurchAt the entrance the minister bearing the Candle lifts it and says: The light of Christ.Further into the building the minister bearing the Candle repeats: The light of Christ.At the centre the minister bearing the Candle says: The light of Christ.Then the Easter Candle is placed on a stand. Exsultet - Led by a deacon. Choirs of angels, stars and planets: All creation, Church of God: We praise you Lord of life and death: we glorify your name: This is the night you set us free, bringing us home in love; holy night, when you led your people through the fearsome sea: This is the night you brought your Son through the doors of death; O holy night, when death takes flight and hope is born again: This is the night our tears of sadness turn to shouts of joy; holy night, when the choirs of earth sing the songs of heaven: This is the night when Christ our Light makes the darkness bright: Christ is the life that knows no end. Christ is the love that burns within. Christ is the peace that floods the world. Christ is the Lord who reigns on high. Amen.The Easter Acclamation: The president says: Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. A joyful fanfare may be played, bells rung, cymbals clashed, noise made.Gloria in ExcelsisChurch candles are lit from the Easter Candle and Church lights are switched on as we pray: Glory be to God in Heaven, and to all on earth his peace. Lord and Father, King in glory, gifts of praise in us release, then the worship and thanksgiving from our hearts will never cease. Christ incarnate, sent by Father to redeem, renew, restore; Risen Lamb, in glory seated, hear our prayers, Lord, we implore. Now to Father, Son and Spirit, Be all glory evermore. The Collect God of glory, by the raising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell: fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.The Blessing God the Father, by whose love Christ was raised from the dead, open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life. God the Son, who in bursting from the grave has won a glorious victory, give you joy as you share the Easter faith. God the Holy Spirit, who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord, empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always. Amen.
Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. A Thought for today Today, we remember that on the Sabbath day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. We also reflect on the Creed of the Church, which says that on this day that Jesus descended into hell. But why? Hear a reply from an ancient homily for Holy Saturday which says: “Today a great silence reigns on earth because the King is asleep”. It also says “I order you sleeper to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead”. As Christians it is our belief that on this Holy Day that Jesus opened up the gates of hell for us to be let out.Holy Saturday Prayer Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we may reign with him in glory by becoming dead to sin and alive in Jesus. AMENPrayer of blessing May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.Closing Note This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope in these quite extraordinary times.
