Introduction
Easter faith rarely arrives all at once. It comes mixed with fear and wonder, joy and disbelief, and the risen Christ meets it there with a word of peace. This complete liturgy for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year B, follows the Revised Common Lectionary and is shaped by themes of peace, recognition, and witness. It includes two calls to worship, an opening prayer, a prayer of confession, an assurance of pardon, a prayer for Illumination, a prayer of dedication, and a benediction. For an update and writings on our fiath considering joining: , join my newsletter.
Lectionary readings for this Sunday
Acts 3:12-19: After a man unable to walk is healed at the temple gate, Peter tells the astonished crowd that the healing came through faith in Jesus, the Author of life, and calls them to repent so their sins may be wiped away. Read about the miracles of Peter and the miracles in Acts.
Psalm 4: A prayer of trust from someone in distress, asking God's face to shine and ending in peaceful sleep. Psalm 4 is one of many psalms marked with the word Selah; see how many times Selah appears in the Bible.
1 John 3:1-7: We are called children of God, and that is what we are; what we will be has not yet been revealed. Read who wrote 1 John.
Luke 24:36b-48: The risen Jesus appears to the gathered disciples, offers peace, shows his wounds, eats with them, opens the Scriptures, and names them his witnesses. This scene follows directly after the road to Emmaus. See also what shalom means in the Bible.
Liturgy for this Sunday
Call to Worship: Option 1
One: Peace be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Christ is risen and stands among us.
All: In our fear and in our joy, we are glad.
One: Come with your questions and your wonder.
All: We have come to see, to hear, and to believe.
Call to Worship: Option 2
One: See what love God has given us.
All: We are called children of God, and that is what we are.
One: Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord.
All: You have put gladness in our hearts.
One: The Author of life is risen.
All: Let us worship God with joy and wonder.
Opening Prayer
Risen Christ, you came to disciples who were startled and afraid, still trying to make sense of the news of resurrection. You did not scold them. You said, "Peace." You showed them your wounds, and you ate with them. Come among us now. Where we are anxious, speak peace. Where we are unsure, show us your life. Open our minds to understand the Scriptures, and our hearts to receive you. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, joy and doubt live side by side in us. We have heard the news of resurrection, yet we live as if fear has the final word. We want proof before we trust. We keep the story to ourselves when you have made us witnesses. Forgive us. Turn us around, wipe away our sins, and make us people who live by your peace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
"You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin." (1 John 3:5)
In Jesus Christ, the Author of life, we are forgiven, and we are called children of God. Thanks be to God!
More on the Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Lord Jesus, you opened the minds of your disciples to understand the Scriptures. Open our minds now. Where we are slow to believe, meet us with patience, and by your Spirit let us hear your Word with joy and live it as your witnesses. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
God of all good gifts, the risen Christ ate broiled fish with his friends, and resurrection life became something they could touch. Take these gifts and put them to work in real places, among real people, for real needs. Take our hearts as well, and make us faithful witnesses to the nations. Amen.
Benediction
You have heard the risen Lord's word of peace. Now go as his witnesses. May the light of God's face shine on you, that you may lie down and sleep in peace, and rise to serve with joy. Amen.
More Benedictions and Blessings
See also
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
