A fire may be lit, around which the stories may be shared. This prayer may be used as the fire is lit
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
to you be glory and praise for ever.
Your steadfast love extends to the heavens
and your faithfulness never ceases.
Illuminate our hearts with your wisdom
and strengthen our lives with your word,
for you are the fountain of life;
in your light we see true light.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
Four lessons are read. After each reading we’ll do a body prayer twice: Once saying the words along, the second time just the gestures. After that a few breaths of silence. Let’s also do the body prayer now, before we’ll hear the first lesson:
Opening my ears / I listen with my heart / waiting for God.
- Genesis 1.1 – 2.4a
- Genesis 7.1-5,11-18; 8.6-18; 9.8-13
- Exodus 14.10-31; 15.20,21
- Romans 6.3-11
At dawn an Easter Light is lit and this prayer may be said
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.
The light of Christ! | Thanks be to God! (three times)
The resurrection Gospel for the day is read.
- Matthew 28.1-10
Alleluia. Christ is risen. | He is risen indeed. Alleluia! (three times)
A song from Taizé:
Jesus the Lord is risen. / Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus the Lord is risen today. / Alleluia, alleluia.