Liturgy for the Second Sunday of Easter

Introduction

The Second Sunday of Easter does not rush past doubt. Doors are locked, wounds are still visible, and Thomas missed the first appearance. Yet the risen Christ returns for him, not with rebuke, but with presence. This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Second Sunday of Easter (Year A) and is shaped by themes of witness, doubt, living hope, and the peace Christ speaks into fearful places.

The Lectionary Readings at a Glance

Acts 2:14a, 22–32 — Peter bears witness to the risen Jesus, drawing on Psalm 16 to proclaim that death could not hold the one God raised. Testimony flows from encounter.

Psalm 16 — A song of trust and refuge. The psalmist declares that God will not abandon the faithful to the grave. Peter hears in these words a promise fulfilled in Christ's resurrection.

1 Peter 1:3–9 — New birth into living hope has come through the resurrection of Jesus. This hope holds firm through suffering. Faith refined by trial leads to praise, even when the way is not fully seen.

John 20:19–31 — Jesus enters the locked room, speaks peace, and breathes the Spirit on the disciples. A week later he returns for Thomas, meeting doubt with presence. Thomas's confession, "My Lord and my God," becomes one of the great declarations of faith in the Gospels.

Call to Worship: Option 1

One:Peace be with you.

All:The risen Christ speaks peace into our fear.

One:We have seen the Lord, wounded, risen, and present among us.

All:We come to worship the one who opens locked doors and calls us by name.

One:Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.

All:Lord, meet us here. Increase our faith and fill us with your joy.

Call to Worship: Option 2

One:The Lord is our portion and our cup.

All:In God's presence there is fullness of joy.

One:Death could not hold the risen Christ.

All:We gather as witnesses to a hope that cannot be shaken.

One:Though we have not seen, we have believed.

All:Let us worship the living God who raises the dead and makes all things new.

Opening Prayer

Risen Lord, you come to us as you came to your disciples, through closed doors and across the distance of our doubts. Breathe your Spirit upon us, speak your peace into our fear, and open our hearts to the living hope born in your resurrection. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we confess that we have locked the doors. We have hidden our doubt rather than bringing it to you, and we have let fear have more of us than faith. Forgive us. Come to us as you came to Thomas, not with judgment, but with presence. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." (John 20:29)

In Jesus Christ, our doubt is met with grace, our fear with peace, and our sin with forgiveness.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer of Illumination

God of resurrection, open our ears as your Word is read and proclaimed. Where we are closed, breathe your Spirit in. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Benediction

Go in the peace of the risen Christ. You are sent as the Father sent the Son, into the world, with the Spirit's breath, as witnesses to living hope.

For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.