Easter Monday Prayers

Opening Sentence
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Prayer of Approach
Living God,
we come before you in wonder and praise.
You are the One who meets us in the darkness
and calls us into light.
When hope seems buried and joy feels distant,
you are still at work—bringing life from death,
rolling away stones, and opening new paths before us.
As we gather, draw near to us.
Lift our hearts, awaken our faith,
and help us to rejoice in the risen Christ,
in whose name we pray.
Amen.

Bible Reading
Mark 16:1–6
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.
Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb
and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.”

Prayer of Easter Thanks
Risen Lord Jesus,
we give you thanks that the grave could not hold you,
and death could not defeat you.
You have broken the power of sin,
you have lifted the weight of fear,
and you have opened the way to new and everlasting life.
For the hope that rises with the dawn,
for the joy that echoes through empty tombs,
for the promise that love is stronger than death—
we thank you.
Help us to live as Easter people,
filled with faith, courage, and joy;
sharing your light in the world.
Amen.

Prayer of Intercession
Risen Christ,
you bring life where there is despair
and hope where there is sorrow.
We pray for all who feel as though they are in the darkness—
those who grieve, those who are anxious,
those who feel alone or forgotten.
Roll away the stones that weigh them down.
We pray for your Church,
that it may boldly proclaim your resurrection
and live as a sign of your renewing love.
We pray for our communities,
for places of conflict and injustice,
for all who long for peace.
Bring healing, restoration, and new beginnings.
And we pray for ourselves—
that we may recognise you in our daily lives,
and follow where you lead.
In the power of your resurrection,
we offer these prayers.
Amen.

Closing Words
“Up from the grave he arose,
with a mighty triumph o’er his foes…”
Go in the joy of the risen Christ.
Alleluia! Amen.