THE PRAYERS
Easter Vigil, Cycle B (April 3, 2021)
Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.
A brief silence
We adore you, O Christ, and praise you for your victory over sin, death, and the devil. Cleanse our hearts and lips to acclaim you as our glorious Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill the Church with your light. Make it resplendent with holiness and charity. Let it shed the light of your love upon all who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Shatter the hateful words and evil acts of those who persecute your people. Raise up your suffering servants. Grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy and goodness. Use us to draw many into your embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Clothe the newly baptized in the robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. Teach them always to sing: Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Savior, and Lord, so with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Let them accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them and all who love them, your perfect peace, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your Kingdom that has no end, there to sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant all that is in accordance with your will, Lord Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
