An Easter Day Lord's Supper

1. The minister says



Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!



'Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.' (1 Corinthians 15:20)

or

'Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed; let us therefore celebrate the festival.' (1 Corinthians 5:7b-8a)



2. An Easter hymn or song is sung



3. All pray together



Almighty God,

nothing is hidden from you,

not even the secrets of our hearts.

By your Holy Spirit,

purify our deepest thoughts,

so that we may truly love you

and bring honour to your name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



4. The minister prays the Collect for Easter Day



Almighty God, you have conquered death through your dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant us by your grace to set our mind on things above, so that by your continual help our whole life may be transformed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in everlasting glory. Amen.



5. The Bible readings follow



6. The Nicene Creed or another authorized confession of faith is said



We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten not made,

of one being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

he was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son

is worshipped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.



7. The sermon is preached



8. A hymn or song is sung, enabling an appropriate response to the message preached. A collection may be taken.



9. The minister or a member of the congregation leads in prayer, using this form or a suitable alternative



Loving Father, we pray for Christian people everywhere and for their leaders (especially...), that the word of Christ may dwell among us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of our resurrected Lord, giving thanks to you through him.

God of grace,

hear our prayer.



We pray for the nations and for those in authority under them (especially...). Enable our leaders to act justly and fairly, so that evil is restrained and truth is upheld. We pray for your world, that we may share and conserve its resources, and live in harmony with one another.

God of grace,

hear our prayer.



We pray for those bowed down with grief, fear or sickness (especially...). Comfort, relieve and heal them, according to their need. Sustain the hope of those who are lonely, oppressed and anxious. Give us the compassion of Jesus and make us the instruments of your care.

God of grace,

hear our prayer.



We pray for those who do not acknowledge you or have not heard the gospel of salvation though your Son. Send out your truth through the messengers of your word (especially...). Open many ears to hear your voice and many hearts to receive your love and forgiveness.

God of grace,

hear our prayer.



We give thanks for all who have died in the faith of Christ, trusting in the promises of your word (especially...). Enable us to follow their good example, that with them we may share in the resurrection to eternal life.



Lord of life, hear our prayers,

and make us one in heart and mind

to serve you with joy for ever,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



10. An appropriate hymn or song may be sung to enable the congregation to prepare for a faithful participation in the Lord's Supper



11. The minister stands at the table and may say this exhortation



Brothers and sisters in Christ, those who come to receive the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ can come only because of his great love for us. For, although we are completely undeserving of his love, yet in order to raise us from the darkness of death to everlasting life as God's sons and daughters, our Saviour Christ humbled himself to share our life and to die for us on the cross. In remembrance of his death, and as a pledge of his love, he has instituted this holy sacrament which we are now to share. But those who would eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord must examine themselves, and amend their lives. They must come with a penitent heart and steadfast faith. Above all they must give thanks to God for his love towards us in Christ Jesus.



12. The minister continues



If you are truly sorry for your sins, reconciled with others, and determined to lead the new life of joyful obedience to God, draw near with faith and share in this holy sacrament to strengthen and sustain you. But first, let us confess our sins to the Lord our God.



13. A pause for self-examination may be observed. All then say this general confession



Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

you made all things,

and you call everyone to account.

With shame we admit that we have sinned against you,

in what we have thought, said and done,

and we deserve your judgment.

We turn from our sins

and are truly sorry for them.

Have mercy on us, most merciful Father.

For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,

forgive us all that is past.

Enable us to serve and please you

by living a new life to your honour and glory,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



14. The minister stands and says



Almighty God our heavenly Father,

who has promised to forgive the sins

of all who turn to him with faith and repentance,

have mercy upon you,

pardon and free you from all your sins,

strengthen you in doing good,

and keep you in eternal life,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



15.       The minister says



Listen to the welcoming words our Saviour Christ says to all who turn to him:



'Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.' (Matthew 11:28)



'God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.' (John 3:16)



Hear what the apostle Paul says:

'The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' (1 Timothy 1:15)



Hear what the apostle John says:

'If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for our only but also for the sins of the whole world.' (1 John 2:1-2)



16. The minister says

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

He is worthy of our praise.



Always and everywhere, it is right for us to praise you Lord, holy Father, mighty Creator and eternal God. But chiefly we praise you for the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true Passover lamb who was offered for us and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death; by his rising to life again he has restored to us eternal life.



Therefore, with angels and archangels and the multitudes around your throne, we proclaim your great and glorious name, in words of never ending praise,

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Glory to you, Lord most high.



17. All pray together



Merciful Lord, we come here to your table

trusting in your measureless grace and not in our own goodness.

Even though we are not worthy to eat the crumbs under your table,

you are always rich in mercy.

Gracious Lord, enable us by faith

so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ,

and to drink his blood,

that we may be cleansed from sin and forever dwell in him,

and he is us. Amen.



18. The minister says this prayer of thanksgiving and consecration. During the words of institution, the minister breaks the bread and takes hold of a cup.



We thank you heavenly Father that in your love and mercy

you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross to save us.

By this offering of himself once and for all time,

Jesus made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world,

satisfying your just demands.

Jesus commanded us to remember his death until his coming again.

Hear us, merciful Father,

and grant that we who eat this bread and drink this wine,

according to our Saviour's word,

in remembrance of his suffering and death,

may share in his body and blood.

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took bread and gave you thanks;

he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying,

'Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you;

do this in remembrance of me.'

In the same way after the meal, Jesus took the cup,

and when he had given you thanks, he gave it to them, saying,

'Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant,

which is poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' Amen.



19. The bread is given to each person with these words



The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, keep your body and soul for everlasting life. Take and eat this, remembering that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving. Amen.



The cup is given to each person with these words



The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was poured out for you, keep your body and soul for everlasting life. Drink this, remembering that Christ's blood was shed for you, and be thankful. Amen.



20. The minister says

Let us pray.

As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to say,



Our Father in heaven,

hallowed by your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen.



21. The minister says one of these thanksgiving prayers



Father, we thank you

that you feed us who have received these gifts of bread and wine,

with the spiritual food of the body and blood

of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

By this you assure us of your favour and goodness,

that we are members of his body,

and heirs of your eternal kingdom,

through the suffering and death of your dear Son.

Accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,

and help us to grow in love and obedience,

so that with all your saints we may worship you for ever.

Father, we offer ourselves to you

as a living sacrifice

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit

to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.



or



Father, as we have received these gifts of bread and wine,

you have fed us with the spiritual food of the body and blood

of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Thank you for assuring us of your goodness and love,

and that we are members of his body.

Renew us by your Holy Spirit,

unite us in the body of your Son,

and bring us with all your people

into the joy of your eternal kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.



22. An Easter song or hymn is sung



23. The minister says



May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you what is pleasing in his sight; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.







This service is a modification of Form 1 in Sunday Services (© 2010 by The Archbishop of Sydney's Liturgical Panel), which is a contemporary version of the Order for the Administration of the Lord's Supper in The Book of Common Prayer.