Easter Sunday

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter A/B/C
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 118:21-29 | Sermon Text: John 20:1-18 (Resurrection)
Epistle Suggestion: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Prayer of the Day (WP): Loving God, with joy and unending praise we raise our voices to you, as together we sing, “Hallelujah! Jesus is risen!” Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #375. Alleluia! Christ Is Arisen (¡Aleluya! Cristo resucitó)
ELW #362. At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #371. Christians, to the Paschal Victim
ELW #389. Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing
ELW #383. Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!
ELW #369. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia!
ELW #373. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #361. The Day of Resurrection!
ELW #521. O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #385. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!
ELW #347. Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #380. Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
ELW #535. Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #365. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #379. Now the Green Blade Rises
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #366. The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
ELW #384. That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
ELW #376. Thine Is the Glory
ELW #391. This Joyful Eastertide
ELW #449. We Know That Christ Is Raised
LBW #246. The First Day of the Week
Various Hymnals A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar
Various Hymnals Comes Mary to the Grave
Various Hymnals In the Garden
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #377. Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #528. Come and Fill Our Hearts
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #556. Morning Has Broken
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #533. Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW #873/4. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
ELW #682. To God Our Thanks We Give (Reamo leboga)
LBW #142. Hail Thee, Festival Day!
LBW #211. Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
LBW #521. Let Us with a Gladsome Mind
Various Hymnals Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us
Various Hymnals The Glorious Gates of Righteousness
Various Hymnals This is the Day
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Revolutionary Love” By David Crowder, Jack Parker, et al.
“We Believe” By Graham Kendrick.
“You Never Let Go” By Beth Redman, Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world to God who raised Jesus to new life.

A brief silence.

Teacher of the way of love, work in the church and its leaders; guide us to deeper faith in you and service towards the world you so love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

First born of the dead, bring new life to creation; open our eyes to the beauty all around us and open our hearts to share the abundance you provide. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Ruler of all, restore your justice to the nations; work in the hearts and minds of all leaders of governments that they may seek to do your will. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all grace, draw near to those entombed by sin; may your resurrection light and life dawn upon all who yearn to be made whole. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of the empty tomb, bring comfort to any who are in pain; grant life abundant and life eternal to those suffering from disease and illness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Resurrected one, gather your children to their heavenly home; guide us along the way of all the saints who have gone before us and were led by you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Through the resurrection of your son, O God, you destroy the power of death and remove your people’s shame. By the power of the Spirit, raise us from sin and seat us at the paschal feast, that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation Jesus has won for us. Amen.