Easter Prayer Vigil

This resource is designed to help guide you through your hour of prayer.  It is also available as a PDF download if you prefer.  Use it as much or as little as you like.

PATTERN OF THE HOUR

Our desire for this Easter Vigil is that we would spend time in our Father’s presence, embracing the true reality of the silence between Friday and Sunday. We wait in the gap between death and life. In this space, let us wait on Him, listen to His voice and anticipate His rising.

“As we behold the body of Jesus in the tomb today, and as we contemplate the mystery of our death, we prepare our hearts to receive the Good News of life. We know that tomb will be empty and remain empty forever as a sign that our lives will not really end, but only be transformed. One day, we will all rest in the embrace of Jesus, who knows our death, and who prepares a place for us in everlasting life. Our reflection on this holy Saturday, and our anticipation of celebrating the gift of life tonight and tomorrow, can bring immense peace and joy, powerful freedom and vitality to our lives. For if we truly believe that death holds no true power over us, we can walk each day with courage and freedom, in the grace being offered us – to give our lives away in love.”

If you’d prefer to spend most of your time in worship, here’s a great 50 minute worship set:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WG0BotpqsI

Or here is a 55-minute loop of the Good Friday cross with backing music from Sam & Becca:
https://youtu.be/sLnSGbbmgN4

Prayer of approach

Lord, I choose now to be still.
I choose to re-centre my scattered senses upon your presence.
Fill me afresh and restore me to the joy of your salvation.
Speak to me now, Lord, I pray.
Amen.

Opening prayer

Blessed are you, Lord, God of our salvation.
You are the King who dwells in the midst of the people
as one who brings victory from the jaws of defeat.
Heal the sick and gather the outcast
and turn our shame into praise,
that we may sing aloud and exalt your name,
O Lord, our maker and redeemer.
Amen.

Bible reading

Isaiah 55:1-13
Read it on Bible Gateway: Isaiah 55:1-13 (NIV)

A song of worship:

“All hail King Jesus” – Jeremy Riddle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZubjsB_KLg

Bible reading

Jonah 1:17 – 2:10
Read it on Bible Gateway: Jonah 1:17-2:10 (NIV)

Confession prayer

Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy
forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.

A song of worship

“Purify my heart” – Jeremy Riddle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayH5iV5zmrI&feature=emb_title

Bible reading

Ezekiel 37:1-14
Read it on Bible Gateway: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NIV)

Prayer

Blessed are you, Lord, God of our salvation.
You bring life from the darkest valley of death.
When hope is lost and our dry bones are scattered in shame,
speak your word to your broken people,
that we may stand confidently before you,
and breathe your Spirit into us that we might live,
O Lord, our maker and redeemer.
Amen.

Bible reading

Daniel 3:8-28
Read it on Bible Gateway: Daniel 3:8-28 (NIV)

A song of worship

“Another in the fire” – Hillsong United
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScK3v5gcBK0&feature=emb_title

Finish with the Lord’s Prayer and join with the prayer of brothers and sisters across the
world:

Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread,
Forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not in to temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
And the glory are Yours,
Now and forever,
Amen.

Some additional resources

Songs of worship:

Websites: