Liturgy for Easter Sunday!
Introduction
Easter proclaims what God has done when death seemed final. The Resurrection of the Lord is not an escape from the world’s pain, but God’s decisive word spoken within it. The tomb is opened, grief is met with hope, and fear gives way to new life. Easter worship gathers the church to hear again the good news that Christ is risen and that God’s life is stronger than death.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Resurrection of the Lord (Year A) and is shaped by themes of resurrection, witness, joy, and God’s renewing power.
The Lectionary Readings at a Glance
The Easter readings proclaim resurrection as God’s act of renewal for the world.
In Acts 10:34–43, Peter bears witness to the risen Christ, declaring that God shows no partiality and that forgiveness of sins is offered to all through Jesus. Resurrection becomes a message meant to be spoken, shared, and lived.
Jeremiah 31:1–6 offers a promise of restoration and joy. God pledges to rebuild what has been broken and to turn mourning into celebration, pointing toward new beginnings rooted in God’s enduring love.
Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24 is a song of thanksgiving and victory. The psalm invites the people to rejoice in the day the Lord has made, celebrating God’s steadfast love and saving power.
In Colossians 3:1–4, believers are called to live resurrection life now, setting their hearts on things above and trusting that their lives are hidden with Christ in God.
John 20:1–18 tells of the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. Grief turns to recognition, and sorrow gives way to testimony as Mary is sent to proclaim the resurrection.
Alternatively, Matthew 28:1–10 proclaims resurrection through angelic announcement and joyful obedience. Fear and amazement accompany the good news that Christ is risen, just as he said.
Together, these texts proclaim that resurrection is both God’s victory over death and the beginning of new life for the world.
Call to Worship
One: Christ is risen from the dead.
All: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
One: Death has been defeated, and the tomb stands empty.
All: God’s love has triumphed over the grave.
One: This is the day the Lord has made.
All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Opening Prayer
Living God,
On this day of resurrection, we praise you for your life-giving power. You have raised Jesus from the dead and opened the way to new life. Fill our worship with joy, awaken our hope, and shape us as witnesses to your grace. Through the risen Christ we pray, Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God,
Even on this day of joy, we confess that we still cling to fear and doubt. We struggle to trust the promise of new life and resist the change resurrection brings. Forgive us, O God. Free us from what binds us, and raise us into the life you offer through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “The Lord has become my salvation.” (Psalm 118:14)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and made new.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
Prayer for Illumination
Risen Lord,
Send your Spirit to open our hearts as Scripture is read and proclaimed. Let the good news of resurrection take root within us, that we may live as people shaped by hope, courage, and joy. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of resurrection,
We give thanks for the victory of life over death and love over fear. We pray for your church, that it may boldly proclaim the good news of Christ’s rising. We pray for the world, where violence, grief, and despair still hold sway, that your renewing power may bring healing and peace. We pray for all who mourn, that resurrection hope may meet them with comfort. Make us witnesses to your life-giving grace, through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Eternal God,
You have called us from sorrow into joy and from death into life. As we leave this place, send us out as people of the resurrection. May our lives bear witness to the risen Christ, in word and deed, now and always. Amen.
