Easter

Contents

Introduction to the Season

Seasonal Material

Invitations to Confession

Kyrie Confessions

Confession

Act of Penitence

Gospel Acclamations

Intercessions

Introductions to the Peace

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

Prefaces

Extended Prefaces

Blessings

Alternative Dismissal

Acclamations

Short Passages of Scripture

The Stations of the Resurrection

Introduction

Notes

The Stations of the Resurrection

The Liturgy of Ascension Day

Structure

The Liturgy of Ascension Day

Introduction to Pentecost

Seasonal Material for use from Ascension to Pentecost

Invitations to Confession

Kyrie Confessions

Gospel Acclamations

Intercession

Introductions to the Peace

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

Prefaces

Extended Preface

Blessings

Acclamation

Short Passages of Scripture

The Liturgy of the Feast of Pentecost

Structure

The Liturgy of the Feast of Pentecost

Introduction to the Season

The Great Fifty Days of Eastertide form a single festival period in which the tone of joy created at the Easter Vigil is sustained through the following seven weeks, and the Church celebrates the gloriously risen Christ:

Triumphant in his glory now,

his sceptre ruleth all,

earth, heaven and hell before him bow,

and at his footstool fall.

(Fulbert of Chartres)

Early Christians gave the name Pentecost to this whole fifty-day span of rejoicing, which Tertullian calls ‘this most joyful period’ (laetissimum spatium). It is sometimes also called ‘Great Sunday’. In those places where the custom of lighting the Easter Candle at the beginning of Easter is followed, the lit Candle stands prominently in church for all the Eastertide services. The Alleluia appears frequently in liturgical speech and song; Morning Prayer begins with the traditional collection of Pauline texts known as the Easter Anthems, and white or gold vestments and decorations emphasize the joy and brightness of the season.

On the fortieth day there has from the late fourth century been a particular celebration of Christ’s ascension. He commissions his disciples to continue his work, he promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, and then he is no longer among them in the flesh. The ascension is therefore closely connected with the theme of mission. The arrival of the promised gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost completes and crowns the Easter Festival.

Seasonal Material

During the Easter season the Prayers of Penitence might appropriately be led from the Easter Garden.

Invitations to Confession

A1

Christ our passover lamb has been sacrificed for us.

Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil

and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.

1 Corinthians 5.7,8

A2

In baptism we died with Christ,

so that as Christ was raised from the dead,

we might walk in newness of life.

Let us receive new life in him

as we confess our sins in penitence and faith.

cf Romans 6.4

A3

Christ died to sin once for all, and now he lives to God.

Let us renew our resolve to have done with all that is evil

and confess our sins in penitence and faith.

cf Romans 6.10

Kyrie Confessions

B1

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you feed us with the living bread.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B2

Like Mary at the empty tomb,

we fail to grasp the wonder of your presence.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Like the disciples behind locked doors,

we are afraid to be seen as your followers.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Like Thomas in the upper room,

we are slow to believe.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Confession

C1

Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord,

we come to you in sorrow for our sins,

and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.

We have lived by our own strength,

and not by the power of your resurrection.

In your mercy, forgive us.

Lord, hear us and help us.

We have lived by the light of our own eyes,

as faithless and not believing.

In your mercy, forgive us.

Lord, hear us and help us.

We have lived for this world alone,

and doubted our home in heaven.

In your mercy, forgive us.

Lord, hear us and help us.

Act of Penitence

D1

This act of penitence may appropriately be used at the Sunday Eucharist in Eastertide.

The president prays over a vessel of water

God our Father,

your gift of water brings life and freshness to the earth;

in baptism it is a sign of the washing away of our sins

and the gift of life eternal.

Sanctify this water, we pray.

Renew the living spring of your life within us,

that we may be free from sin

and filled with your saving health;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The president and people are sprinkled.

Meanwhile suitable hymns, songs or anthems may be sung.

The president concludes with this or another authorized absolution

May the God of love and power

forgive you and free you from your sins,

heal and strengthen you by his Spirit,

and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Gospel Acclamations

G1

Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,

and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’

John 6.35

Alleluia.

G2

Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus said, ‘All who see the Son and believe in him may

have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’

John 6.40

Alleluia.

G3

Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’

John 11.25,26

Alleluia.

G4

Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the first and the last, says the Lord, and the living one;

I was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore.

cf Revelation 1.17,18

Alleluia.

G5

Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.

Alleluia.

He has defeated the powers of death.

Alleluia.

Jesus turns our sorrow into dancing.

Alleluia.

He has the words of eternal life.

Alleluia.

Intercessions

H1

In joy and hope let us pray to the Father.

That our risen Saviour may fill us [and …] with the joy of his

glorious and life-giving resurrection …

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

That isolated and persecuted churches

may find fresh strength in the good news of Easter …

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

That God may grant us humility

to be subject to one another in Christian love …

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

That he may provide for those who lack food, work or shelter …

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

That by his power war and famine may cease through all the world …

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick,

the weak and the dying,

to comfort and strengthen them …

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

That, according to his promises,

all who have died in the faith of the resurrection

may be raised on the last day …

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people,

so that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection,

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,

you have delivered us from the power of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:

grant that, as his death has recalled us to life,

so his continual presence in us may raise us to eternal joy;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

H2

We pray to Jesus who is present with us to eternity.

Jesus, light of the world,

bring the light and peace of your gospel to the nations …

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, bread of life,

give food to the hungry …

and nourish us all with your word.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, our way, our truth, our life,

be with us and all who follow you in the way …

Deepen our appreciation of your truth

and fill us with your life.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, Good Shepherd who gave your life for the sheep,

recover the straggler,

bind up the injured,

strengthen the sick

and lead the healthy and strong to new pastures.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, the resurrection and the life,

we give you thanks for all who have lived and believed in you …

Raise us with them to eternal life.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us,

accept our prayers, and be with us always.

Amen.

H3

Jesus, our exalted Lord, has been given all authority.

Let us seek his intercession that our prayers may be perfected

by his prayer.

Jesus Christ, great high priest,

living for ever to intercede for us,

pray for the Church, your broken body in the world …

Silence is kept.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, King of righteousness,

enthroned at the right hand of the majesty on high,

pray for the world, and make it subject to your gentle rule …

Silence is kept.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, Son of Man,

drawing humanity into the life of God,

pray for your sisters and brothers in need, distress, or sorrow …

Silence is kept.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus, pioneer of our salvation,

bringing us to glory through your death and resurrection,

surround with your saints and angels

those who have died trusting your promises …

Silence is kept.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, Lord over all things,

ascended far above the heavens and filling the universe,

pray for us who receive the gifts you give us for work in your service …

Silence is kept.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ,

keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit

and in the bond of peace,

and bring the whole created order to worship at your feet;

for you are alive and reign with the Father

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Introductions to the Peace

J1

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples

and said, ‘Peace be with you.’

Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.

John 20.19, 20

J2

Alleluia. Christ has been raised from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15.20

J3

The two disciples told what had happened on the road to Emmaus,

and how Jesus had been made known to them in the

breaking of the bread. Alleluia.

Luke 24.35

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

K1

Creator of all,

you wash away our sins,

you give us new birth by the Spirit,

and redeem us in the blood of Christ.

As we celebrate the resurrection,

renew your gift of life within us.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord.

Amen.

K2

Risen Lord Jesus Christ,

we believe you, and all we have heard is true.

When you break bread

may we recognize you as the fire that burns within us,

that we may bring light to your world.

Amen.

K3

Be present, be present,

Lord Jesus Christ,

our risen high priest;

make yourself known in the breaking of bread.

Amen.

K4

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation.

In your loving care you spread before us the table of life

and give us the cup of salvation to drink.

Keep us always in the fold of our Saviour and our Shepherd,

your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessed be God for ever.

Prefaces

L1

But chiefly are we bound to praise you

because you raised him gloriously from the dead.

For he is the true paschal lamb who was offered for us,

and has taken away the sin of the world.

By his death he has destroyed death,

and by his rising to life again he has restored to us everlasting life.

L2

And now we give you thanks

because in his victory over the grave a new age has dawned,

the long reign of sin is ended,

a broken world is being renewed

and humanity is once again made whole.

L3

And now we give you thanks

because through him you have given us eternal life

and delivered us from the bondage of sin and the fear of death

into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

L4

And now we give you thanks

because Christ our paschal sacrifice

has made us children of the light,

rising to new and everlasting life.

He has opened the gates of heaven

to receive his faithful people.

His death is our ransom from death,

his resurrection is our rising to life.

The joy of the resurrection renews the whole world,

while the choirs of heaven sing for ever to your glory.

Holy, holy, holy Lord …

Extended Prefaces

M1

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

almighty and eternal Father,

and in these days of Easter

to celebrate with joyful hearts

the memory of your wonderful works.

For by the mystery of his passion

Jesus Christ, your risen Son,

has conquered the powers of death and hell

and restored in men and women the image of your glory.

He has placed them once more in paradise

and opened to them the gate of life eternal.

And so, in the joy of this Passover,

earth and heaven resound with gladness,

while angels and archangels and the powers of all creation

sing for ever the hymn of your glory.

M2

We give you thanks and praise

for the gospel we have received.

Christ died for our sins. Alleluia.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Death comes to all through Adam,

and sin reigns for a time.

New life without end comes through Christ,

and he reigns for ever. Alleluia.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Death, where is your victory?

Death, where is your sting?

Death is swallowed up in victory,

the victory you give us in Christ. Alleluia.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

We have been crucified with Christ,

and live his risen life,

to praise you for ever with angels and archangels.

Holy, holy, holy Lord …

Blessings

P1

The God of peace,

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood of the eternal covenant,

make you perfect in every good work to do his will,

working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight;

and the blessing …

P2

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;

and the blessing …

P3

God, who through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ

has given us the victory,

give you joy and peace in your faith;

and the blessing …

P4

God the Father,

by whose glory Christ was raised from the dead,

strengthen you to walk with him in his risen life;

and the blessing …

P5

May Christ,

who out of defeat brings new hope and a new future,

fill you with his new life;

and the blessing …

P7

God the Father,

by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,

open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life.

Amen.

God the Son,

who in bursting from the grave has won a glorious victory,

give you joy as you share the Easter faith.

Amen.

God the Holy Spirit,

who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord,

empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace.

Amen.

And the blessing …

An Alternative Dismissal at Easter
Q1 Acclamation -->

Q1

Acclamation

After the Post Communion a hymn may be sung and/or the following acclamation may be used

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He has given us new life and hope.

He has raised Jesus from the dead.

God has claimed us as his own.

He has brought us out of darkness.

He has made us light to the world.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Dismissal Gospel

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who

believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone

who lives and believes in me will never die.’

John 11.25,26

At the end the reader says

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

The Blessing

God the Father,

by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,

open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life.

Amen.

God the Son,

who in bursting from the grave has won a glorious victory,

give you joy as you share the Easter faith.

Amen.

God the Holy Spirit,

who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord,

empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace.

Amen.

And the blessing …

The Dismissal

He is not here. He is risen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

In the name of Christ. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia.

(or)

He is not here. He is risen.

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

(or)

With the power that raised Jesus from the dead at work within you,

go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

In the name of Christ. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia.

(or)

With the power that raised Jesus from the dead at work within you,

go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

(or)

We are raised to new life with Christ.

Go in his peace. Alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Acclamations

R1

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He has given us new life and hope.

He has raised Jesus from the dead.

God has claimed us as his own.

He has brought us out of darkness.

He has made us light to the world.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

R2

Here are words you may trust.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead:

he is our salvation, our eternal glory.

If we die with him, we shall live with him;

if we endure, we shall reign with him.

If we deny him, he will deny us;

if we are faithless, he keeps faith.

For he has broken the power of death

and brought life and immortality to light

through the gospel.

cf 2 Timothy 2.11–13

Short Passages of Scripture

S1

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;

break forth, O mountains, into singing!

For the Lord has comforted his people,

and will have compassion on his suffering ones.

Isaiah 49.13

S2

‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands,

and they will kill him,

and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’

Mark 9.31

S3

Jesus said, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer

and to rise from the dead on the third day.’

Luke 24.46

S4

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week,

and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were

locked for fear of the Jews,

Jesus came and stood among them and said,

‘Peace be with you.’

John 20.19

S5

After his suffering Jesus presented himself alive to them

by many convincing proofs,

appearing to them over the course of forty days

and speaking about the kingdom of God.

Acts 1.3

S6

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead,

the first fruits of those who have died.

For since death came through a human being,

the resurrection of the dead has also come through a

human being.

1 Corinthians 15.20,21

S7

As all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ.

1 Corinthians 15.22

S8

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

By his great mercy he has given us a new birth

into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1 Peter 1.3

The Stations of the Resurrection

Introduction

Through Lent and Passiontide there has been a long tradition in the Church of meditating on the events of the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, called the Stations of the Cross. In the latter part of the twentieth century a complementary devotion emerged, possibly from the Iberian peninsula, called the Stations of the Resurrection or the Stations of Joy. They provide much-needed resources for the celebration of the Great Fifty Days.

As with the Stations of the Cross, we move from station to station, reading an appropriate Bible passage and meditating on it. By using the resurrection appearances as a focus for reflection and meditation we have an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the Easter mysteries of the resurrection of our Lord. The resurrection appearances are more than just stories or history, they are a record of personal encounters with our risen Lord, so silence and space should be given to allow the liturgy to enable that encounter to happen today.

Notes
1  Images and Material

Because of the relative novelty of the Stations of the Resurrection, related images are not as readily available as those for the Stations of the Cross. However, already a number of commentaries and ancillary material have been published. Images are becoming available and can be found with relative ease on the World Wide Web. Alternatively, they could be created locally at events such as an Easter workshop.

2  Movement

Movement is at the heart of this kind of worship. If possible, people should be encouraged to leave their places, move around the building and gather at each station. The element of pilgrimage is a vital part of this liturgy. However, where it is necessary for the congregation to stay in their seats they could be encouraged to turn and face each of the stations.

3  Structuring the Services

The structure of the main part of the service is self-explanatory. The Gathering and the Conclusion should always be included. It is not necessary that all the stations be used in one act of worship; a few of them might be used each week throughout the Easter season. It is recommended, however, that the order presented here should be maintained.

4  Response

At the end there is the opportunity to insert an appropriate response. This could be penitence, praise, intercession or some action that is appropriate to the stations selected. This also offers a further opportunity for movement, as people could be invited to spend some time at a particular station of their choice.

5  Music

Hymns and songs, music and drama may be added at suitable points.

6  Holy Communion

If the stations are to form part of a service of Holy Communion, they form the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Sacrament begins with the Peace. Care should be taken to conform with the requirements of A Service of the Word with a Celebration of Holy Communion (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 25).

The Stations of the Resurrection

I The earthquake

Matthew 28.2-4

II Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb

John 20.1,2

III The disciples run to the empty tomb

John 20.3-8

IV The angel appears to the women

Matthew 28.5-8

   or Mark 16.3-8

   or Luke 24.2-9

V Jesus meets the women

Matthew 28.9,10

VI The road to Emmaus

Luke 24.28-35

VII Jesus appears to the disciples

   Luke 24.36-43

or John 20.19,20

VIII Jesus promises the Spirit

Luke 24.44-49

IX Jesus commissions the disciples

John 20.21-23

X Jesus breathes the Spirit in the upper room

John 20.22,23

XI Jesus reveals himself to Thomas

John 20.24-29

XII Jesus appears at the lakeside

John 21.9-13

XIII Jesus confronts Peter

John 21.15-19

XIV Jesus and the beloved disciple

John 21.20-23

XV Jesus appears to over five hundred at once

1 Corinthians 15.3-6

XVI Jesus commissions the disciples on the mountain

Matthew 28.16-20

XVII The ascension

Acts 1.3-11

XVIII Pentecost

Acts 2.1-11

XIX Jesus appears to Saul (Paul)

   Acts 9.1-18

or 1 Corinthians 15.8

The Stations of the Resurrection

¶    The Gathering

At the entrance of the ministers a hymn may be sung.

A minister may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;

break forth, O mountains, into singing!

For the Lord has comforted his people,

and will have compassion on his suffering ones.

Isaiah 49.13

Jesus said, ‘This is indeed the will of my Father,

that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life,

and I will raise them up on the last day.’

John 6.40

The minister introduces the service.

Let us pray.

A brief moment of silence follows.

One of the following Collects is said

Lord of all life and power,

who through the mighty resurrection of your Son

overcame the old order of sin and death

to make all things new in him:

grant that we, being dead to sin

and alive to you in Jesus Christ,

may reign with him in glory;

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit

be praise and honour, glory and might,

now and in all eternity.

All   Amen.

(or)

God of glory,

by the raising of your Son

you have broken the chains of death and hell:

fill your Church with faith and hope;

for a new day has dawned

and the way to life stands open

in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    First Station:

The earthquake

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (28.2-4)

Suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for in your resurrection the power of love breaks open the earth

and frees life from death.

As the angel rolled away the stone from the prison of the tomb,

so release those imprisoned by life’s misfortunes.

To you, Lord Jesus,

whose life brings surprises beyond our wildest expectations,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Second Station:

Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (20.1,2)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for the love which drew Mary Magdalene to your tomb

to weep over your death.

As you broke into her grief with your death-shattering life,

so reach into our broken hearts with your promise of hope.

To you, Lord Jesus,

reaching into the deepest tombs of our despair,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Third Station:

The disciples run to the empty tomb

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (20.3-8)

Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for in you our God reveals the awesome power of love that is

stronger even than death.

As in your dying you destroyed death,

so in your rising may we be raised above the trials and torments of

this world’s woe.

To you, Lord Jesus,

the fullness of your life revealed in an empty tomb,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Fourth Station:

The angel appears to the women

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (28.5-8)

The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for your resurrection overturns our expectations of life

and even your closest friends could not see truth before them.

As the angel helped them to grasp your triumph

and overcome their fear,

so help us to see your hand at work

through the events that overtake us.

To you, Lord Jesus,

whose ways astonish beyond our imagining,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Fifth Station:

Jesus meets the women

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (28.9,10)

Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for your simple word of greeting made the hearts of the women

leap with joy.

Speak your word of love to those whose hearts are broken,

that they too may hear your loving, beckoning call.

To you, Lord Jesus,

whose call summons us to life in all its fullness,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Sixth Station:

The road to Emmaus

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Luke (24.28-35)

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for you are with us,

even when our eyes are closed to your companionship.

Walk this day alongside the disconsolate and the despairing,

open their eyes to your gentle illumination,

and let their hearts burn within them at your invisible presence.

To you, Lord Jesus,

walking by our side,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Seventh Station:

Jesus appears to the disciples

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Luke (24.36-43)

While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for in your birth you were proclaimed the Prince of Peace,

and in your resurrection you breathe into your people

peace beyond this world’s understanding.

Be present, Lord, this day

with those whose lives are disfigured by conflict

and those whose hearts know no peace.

To you, Lord Jesus,

true bringer of the peace of heaven,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Eighth Station:

Jesus promises the Spirit

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Luke (24.44-49)

Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you – that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for you promised that the same power

that was at work when you were raised from the dead

would also be alive in us.

Show your power to those who are powerless;

reveal your love to those who feel unlovely

and through your Spirit enable all your people

to be witnesses of your amazing grace.

To you, Lord Jesus,

daily renewing your people and your creation,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Ninth Station:

Jesus commissions the disciples

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (20.21-23)

Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for as you were sent by the Father, so you send us.

Equip your Church with the gifts to fulfil our calling

that we may love as you loved,

serve as you served,

and willingly follow wherever you lead.

To you, Lord Jesus,

gifting your people,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Tenth Station:

Jesus breathes the Spirit in the upper room

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (20.22,23)

When Jesus had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for you breathed new life into your astonished disciples.

As you turned unutterable grief into unshakeable joy,

so renew and refresh your turbulent world

and establish now your reign of peace.

To you, Lord Jesus,

transforming the pain of death into the fullness of life,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Eleventh Station:

Jesus reveals himself to Thomas

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (20.24-29)

Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for you come to us even in our doubting.

Through the sovereign work of your Spirit,

and the loving hands of your people,

continue to reveal yourself where doubt is stronger than faith.

To you, Lord Jesus,

whose resurrection body bears the murderous marks of the cross,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Twelfth Station:

Jesus appears at the lakeside

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (21.9-13)

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for at the lakeside you showed concern for the daily needs of your disciples.

As you guided them to fill their nets with fish,

so guide all who are hungry

till their hunger is satisfied in you.

To you, Lord Jesus,

sharing with us the food of faith,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Thirteenth Station:

Jesus confronts Peter

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (21.15-19)

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for even in the glorious victory of the resurrection

you understood the failure of Peter who denied you.

As you restored him to relationship with you,

remember all who feel downcast and worthless in this world’s eyes

and give them a sense of purpose and value.

To you, Lord Jesus,

loving us despite our denial,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Fourteenth Station:

Jesus and the beloved disciple

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to John (21.20-23)

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?’ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!’ So the rumour spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for your single-minded commitment to your Father’s will.

May we be free from distractions of envy or self,

that we might walk the way of the cross

and know the power of your risen life.

To you, Lord Jesus,

treading boldly on the path of suffering,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Fifteenth Station:

Jesus appears to over five hundred at once

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians (15.3-6)

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for your resurrection is a revelation to the whole world.

As you revealed yourself powerfully to so many,

reveal yourself now as the hope for our world.

To you, Lord Jesus,

going beyond the limits of our understanding,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Sixteenth Station:

Jesus commissions the disciples on the mountain

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (28.16-20)

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for you took the risk of passing your mission to frail disciples.

As you commissioned them to go into all the world,

so may all the world come to you, the King of nations.

To you, Lord Jesus,

with us to the end of the age,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Seventeenth Station:

The ascension

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (1.3-11)

After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over the course of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This’, he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for in your ascension you are crowned King of kings and Lord of lords.

As we worship you on your heavenly throne,

prepare our hearts for the coming of your Spirit.

To you, Lord Jesus,

who will come back in the same way you went up into heaven,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Eighteenth Station:

Pentecost

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2.1-11)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for you promised that your disciples would be baptized with the Holy Spirit

and now we see the fulfilment of your promise.

Fill us afresh with your Spirit today,

revive your Church,

and renew the face of the earth.

To you, Lord Jesus,

giving to your people the greatest gift of all,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    Nineteenth Station:

Jesus appears to Saul (Paul)

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

All   Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Reading

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (9.1-18)

Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized.

Reflection or Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

We praise you and we bless you, our risen Lord Jesus, King of glory,

for you transformed the murderous Saul into the great apostle, Paul.

As you revealed yourself to him on the road to Damascus,

reveal yourself afresh to your people journeying through this life.

To you, Lord Jesus,

who can fill even the emptiest of lives,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

This acclamation may be used

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All   Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

¶    The Conclusion

A response may be made to the preceding stations. This might take the form of praise, penitence, intercession or some other relevant action, accompanied by silence or singing.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the words our Saviour taught us.

The Lord’s Prayer is said.

Almighty God,

whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:

raise us, who trust in him,

from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,

that we may seek those things that are above

where he reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All   He has given us new life and hope.

He has raised Jesus from the dead.

God has claimed us as his own.

All   He has brought us out of darkness.

He has made us light to the world.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

God the Father,

by whose glory Christ was raised from the dead,

strengthen you to walk with him in his risen life;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

These or other suitable words introduce the Peace

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said ‘Peace be with you’.

Then were they glad to see the Lord. Alleluia.

The peace of the risen Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

The Liturgy of Ascension Day

Structure

    The Gathering

The Greeting

The Ascension Reading

Gloria in Excelsis

The Collect

    The Liturgy of the Word

Reading(s)

Canticle

Gospel Reading

Sermon

The Creed

Prayers of Intercession

    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Preparation of the Table

Taking of the Bread and Wine

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Giving of Communion

Prayer after Communion

    The Dismissal

Reading

Responsory

The Blessing

The Dismissal

The Liturgy of Ascension Day

¶    The Gathering

At the entry of the ministers an anthem may be sung or the following response may be used

God has gone up with a shout,

All   the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

Psalm 47.5

The president may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

The Greeting

The president greets the people.

Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you

All   and also with you.

Introduction

The president introduces the service using these or other suitable words

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, for forty days we have been celebrating with joyful hearts the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, his bursting from the tomb and his defeat of the power of sin and death. He appeared to his disciples many times and told them about the kingdom of God.

Today we recall how he left this earth and returned to his Father, ascending into heaven to take his throne over all dominions and powers. Trusting in his reign over all creation, and submitting to his kingly yet loving rule, let us hear the story of his parting.

The Ascension Reading

If possible this reading should not be read by the person leading this part of the service.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (1.4-11)

While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This’, he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’

At the end the reader says

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

A minister says

Seeing we have a great high priest who has passed through the heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us offer him the praise worthy of his name.

Gloria in Excelsis

The Gloria in excelsis may be used.

All   Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Let us pray that our risen and ascended Lord will lead us to eternal life.

Silence is kept.

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ

to have ascended into the heavens,

so we in heart and mind may also ascend

and with him continually dwell;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

Risen Christ,

you have raised our human nature to the throne of heaven:

help us to seek and serve you,

that we may join you at the Father’s side,

where you reign with the Spirit in glory,

now and for ever.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Word

Reading

If the Acts reading has already been used, only one reading from Scripture precedes the Gospel reading.

At the end the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

Canticle

All   All nations shall come and worship you, O Christ,

and share in the feast of your kingdom.

1    Great and wonderful are your deeds,  

Lord God the Almighty.

2    Just and true are your ways,  

O ruler of the nations.

3    Who shall not revere and praise your name, O Lord?  

for you alone are holy.

4    All nations shall come and worship in your presence:  

for your just dealings have been revealed.

Revelation 15.3,4

All   To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honour and glory and might,

for ever and ever. Amen.

All   All nations shall come and worship you, O Christ,

and share in the feast of your kingdom.

Gospel Reading

One of these acclamations may herald the Gospel reading

Alleluia, alleluia.

Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord.

Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

cf Matthew 28.19,20

All   Alleluia.

(or)

Alleluia.

All   Alleluia.

God has highly exalted Jesus Christ.

All   Alleluia.

At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow.

All   Alleluia.

Let every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

cf Philippians 2.9-11

All   Alleluia.

[Glory to God the Father.]

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

Luke 24.44-end

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon
The Creed

An authorized translation of the Nicene Creed is used.

Prayers of Intercession

Let us join our prayers with those of our Saviour Christ,

seeking the Father’s blessing and the gifts of the Spirit.

Jesus Christ, great high priest,

living for ever to intercede for us,

pray for the Church, your broken body in the world …

Lord, hear us.

All   Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, king of righteousness,

enthroned at the right hand of the majesty on high,

pray for the world, and make it subject to your gentle rule …

Lord, hear us.

All   Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, Son of Man,

drawing humanity into the life of God,

pray for your brothers and sisters in need, distress or sorrow …

Lord, hear us.

All   Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, pioneer of our salvation,

bringing us to glory through your death and resurrection,

surround with your saints and angels

those who have died trusting your promises …

Lord, hear us.

All   Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, Lord over all things,

ascended far above the heavens and filling the universe,

pray for us who receive the gifts you give us for work in your service …

Lord, hear us.

All   Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ,

keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit

and in the bond of peace,

and bring the whole created order to worship at your feet;

for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,

you have exalted your Son Christ Jesus to your right hand,

and made him the head over all things for his body the Church:

hear us as we pray for the Church throughout the world …

Make us and all your people receptive to the gifts he pours upon us,

that we may use them to your glory,

and the building up of the body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy:

All   hear our prayer.

Lord God Almighty, the Ancient of Days,

you have given your Son all authority in heaven and on earth:

hear us as we pray for the world he came to redeem …

Grant that we may know even in this time the things that make for peace,

and may strive for the reconciliation of all people

in his kingdom of justice and love.

Lord, in your mercy:

All   hear our prayer.

Father of all, whose Son has promised to be with us always,

to the end of the age:

hear us as we pray for those among whom we live and work …

Grant that we may be so aware of his presence with us,

that people may take note of us, that we have been with Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy:

All   hear our prayer.

O God our Redeemer, whose Son ever lives to make intercession for us:

hear us as we pray for those in any kind of need …

May he who has borne our infirmities strengthen and heal them,

that they may find grace to help in time of need,

and rejoice in his salvation.

Lord, in your mercy:

All   hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, whose Son has borne our humanity into the heavenly realms,

and gone before us to prepare a place for us:

hear us as we remember before you those whose earthly sojourn is over,

and whose life is now hidden in him with you …

Make us joyful and expectant, that at his coming with all his own

we too may go forth to meet him, and share in his eternal joy.

Merciful Father,

All   accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Jesus says: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

If you love me, rejoice because I am going to the Father’. Alleluia.

John 14.27,28

The peace of the Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

These words may be added

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn may be sung.

The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

This or one of the other prayers at the preparation of the table may be said

Blessed be God,

by whose grace creation is renewed,

by whose love heaven is opened,

by whose mercy we offer our sacrifice of praise.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

The president takes the bread and wine.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The president uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers.

One of the following Proper Prefaces may be used where appropriate

It is indeed right and good,

our duty and our joy,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Jesus Christ the King of glory.

Born of a woman,

he came to the rescue of our human race.

Dying for us,

he trampled death and conquered sin.

By the glory of his resurrection

he opened the way to life eternal

and by his ascension,

gave us the sure hope

that where he is we may also be.

Therefore the universe resounds with Easter joy

and with choirs of angels we sing for ever to your praise:

(or)

And now we give you thanks

because, after his most glorious resurrection,

he appeared to his disciples,

and in their sight ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us;

that where he is, thither we might also ascend,

and reign with him in glory.

The Lord’s Prayer

Looking for the coming of his kingdom,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

Looking for the coming of his kingdom,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

Lord, we died with you on the cross.

All   Now we are raised to new life.

We were buried in your tomb.

All   Now we share in your resurrection.

Live in us, that we may live in you.

The Agnus Dei may be used as the bread is broken.

Giving of Communion

The president says

I heard the voice of a great multitude crying, Alleluia.

The Lord our God has entered into his kingdom.

All   Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.

Alleluia.

(or)

Alleluia. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.

All   Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be used.

During the distribution hymns and anthems may be sung.

The Common Worship provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine and for disposing of what remains.

Prayer after Communion

Silence is kept.

The Post Communion or another suitable prayer is said

God our Father,

you have raised our humanity in Christ

and have fed us with the bread of heaven:

mercifully grant that, nourished with such spiritual blessings,

we may set our hearts in the heavenly places;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

All   We thank you, Lord,

that you have fed us in this sacrament,

united us with Christ,

and given us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet

prepared for all peoples.

Amen.

¶    The Dismissal

A hymn may be sung.

Reading

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (1.12,13a,14)

Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying. They were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

No responses are used at the end of the reading.

Silence is kept.

Responsory

As we wait in silence,

All   make us ready for your coming Spirit.

As we listen to your word,

All   make us ready for your coming Spirit.

As we worship you in majesty,

All   make us ready for your coming Spirit.

As we long for your refreshing,

All   make us ready for your coming Spirit.

As we long for your renewing,

All   make us ready for your coming Spirit.

As we long for your equipping,

All   make us ready for your coming Spirit.

As we long for your empowering,

All   make us ready for your coming Spirit.

Silence may be kept or a reflective hymn may be sung.

The Blessing

The president may use one of these seasonal blessings, or another suitable blessing

God the Father,

who has given to his Son the name above every name,

strengthen you to proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord.

All   Amen.

God the Son,

who is our great high priest passed into the heavens,

plead for you at the right hand of the Father.

All   Amen.

God the Holy Spirit,

who pours out his abundant gifts upon the Church,

make you faithful servants of Christ our King.

All   Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

(or)

May the Spirit,

who set the Church on fire upon the day of Pentecost,

bring the world alive with the love of the risen Christ.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

The Dismissal

A minister says

Waiting expectantly for the promised Holy Spirit,

go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

All   Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

The ministers and people depart.

Introduction to Pentecost

Pentecost (from the Greek pentekoste, ‘fiftieth’ of fifty days of celebration) has its roots in the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which was completed on the fiftieth day after Passover. On the fiftieth day of Easter, God sends his Holy Spirit to empower the Church to perform the mission which the risen Christ has entrusted to it; and he inaugurates the messianic community of perfect communication. Pentecost celebrates both the Holy Spirit and the Christian Church. It was originally the crown and completion of the Easter season; only later, in the medieval West, did it become a new festival season of its own. After the Easter Vigil, the time of Pentecost was a preferred occasion for baptism in early Christian centuries, and the services of Pentecost also reflect this baptismal theme. Christ’s disciples are born again of water and the spirit. There is some evidence that the ascension was first celebrated on the fiftieth day of Easter, but it was soon moved to the fortieth day in faithfulness to Luke’s chronology. Ascension and Pentecost are closely linked. The risen Lord is no longer present to the Church in the body of his flesh; the Church is now to be the new body of Christ, filled with his life through the gift of the Spirit.

The Sunday after Pentecost came to be kept in the West as Trinity Sunday, although it was not prescribed as a universal feast until 1334. In a sense, every feast must be a festival of the Trinity, because the whole Trinity is at work in every moment of creation, redemption and sanctification; but Trinity Sunday provides a particular occasion to reflect on the revelation of God’s self as Trinity, immediately after the Great Fifty Days of Easter. The numbering of the following Sundays ‘after Trinity’ continues the practice of The Book of Common Prayer.

Seasonal Material for use

from Ascension to Pentecost

Invitations to Confession

A1

What God has prepared for those who love him,

he has revealed to us through the Spirit;

for the Spirit searches everything.

Therefore, let us in penitence open our hearts to the Lord,

who has prepared good things for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2.9,10

A2

The Spirit of truth will convict the world of guilt

about sin, righteousness and judgement.

We have grieved the Holy Spirit.

In sorrow we confess our sins.

A3

The Spirit of the Lord fills the world

and knows our every word and deed.

Let us then open ourselves to the Lord

and confess our sins in penitence and faith.

A4

Christ has gone up on high, leading captivity captive

and bringing gifts for men.

As we prepare ourselves to meet him here in the courts of heaven

let us call to mind our many failures and sins.

Kyrie Confessions

B1

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

You bring pardon and peace to the broken in heart:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B2

Lord Jesus, you suffered a cruel death on the cross for

our redemption,

yet we have forgotten your pain

and stayed in the realm of the evil you defeated.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you were raised from death to bring us new life,

yet we have preferred the comfort of the familiar,

and the empty promises of a sinful world.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you have ascended to your Father and our Father,

your God and our God;

plead there at the right hand of God

for our forgiveness and entry into the fullness of his presence.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Gospel Acclamations

G1

Alleluia, alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people

and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Alleluia.

G2

Alleluia, alleluia.

Go, and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord, and

remember I am with you always to the end of the age.

Alleluia.

Matthew 28.19,20

Intercession

H1

We pray for God to fill us with his Spirit.

Generous God,

we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit.

We ask that we may be strengthened to serve you better.

Lord, come to bless us

and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to make us wise to understand your will.

Lord, come to bless us

and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to keep us confident of your love wherever you call us.

Lord, come to bless us

and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to bring reconciliation and wholeness

where there is division, sickness and sorrow.

Lord, come to bless us

and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to equip us for the work which you have given us.

Lord, come to bless us

and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus.

Lord, come to bless us

and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit,

given us by the risen Lord.

We ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed,

in the joy of eternal life.

Lord, come to bless us

and fill us with your Spirit.

Generous God,

you sent your Holy Spirit upon your Messiah at the river Jordan,

and upon the disciples in the upper room:

in your mercy fill us with your Spirit,

hear our prayer,

and make us one in heart and mind

to serve you with joy for ever. Amen.

Introductions to the Peace

J1

God has made us one in Christ.

He has set his seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come,

has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts. Alleluia.

cf 2 Corinthians 1.22

J2

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.

If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit.

cf Galatians 5.22,23

Prayers at the Preparation of the Table

K1

Lord of all and source of our joy,

receive our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

Keep us in the love of Christ

and bring us to the vision of his glory;

through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

K2

Father, by your Holy Spirit

you keep the Church in unity and truth.

As we break bread together,

may we be one with Christ in faith and hope and love,

now and for ever.

Amen.

Prefaces

L1

And now we give you thanks

that, after he had ascended far above all heavens,

and was seated at the right hand of your majesty,

he sent forth upon the universal Church your holy and

life-giving Spirit;

that through his glorious power the joy of the everlasting gospel

might go forth into all the world.

L2

And now we give you thanks

because by the Holy Spirit you lead us into all truth,

and give us power to proclaim your gospel to the nations,

and to serve you as a royal priesthood.

L3

And now we give you thanks

because in fulfilment of your promise

you pour your Spirit upon us,

filling us with your gifts, leading us into all truth,

and uniting peoples of many tongues

in the confession of one faith.

You give us power to proclaim your gospel to all nations

and to serve you as a royal priesthood.

Therefore we join our voices with angels and archangels,

and with all those in whom the Spirit dwells,

to proclaim the glory of your name,

for ever praising you and saying

Holy, holy, holy Lord …

Extended Preface

M1

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For he is our great high priest

who has entered once for all

into the heavenly sanctuary,

evermore to pour upon your Church

the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit.

He is the one who has gone before us,

who calls us to be united in prayer

as were his disciples in the upper room

while they awaited his promised gift,

the life-giving Spirit of Pentecost.

Therefore all creation yearns with eager longing

as angels and archangels sing the endless hymn of praise:

For the Extended Preface for the Day of Pentecost see the Liturgy of the Feast of Pentecost (here).

Blessings

P1

The Spirit of truth lead you into all truth,

give you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

and strengthen you to proclaim the word and works of God;

and the blessing …

P2

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

through the power of the Holy Spirit;

and the blessing …

P3

May the Spirit,

who hovered over the waters when the world was created,

breathe into you the life he gives.

Amen.

May the Spirit,

who overshadowed the Virgin when the eternal Son came among us,

make you joyful in the service of the Lord.

Amen.

May the Spirit,

who set the Church on fire upon the Day of Pentecost,

bring the world alive with the love of the risen Christ.

Amen.

And the blessing …

Acclamation

R1

[Christ has gone up on high.

Alleluia.]

God raised Christ from the dead

and enthroned him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.

God put all things in subjection beneath his feet

and gave him as head over all things to the Church.

We died, and our life lies hidden with Christ in God.

We set our minds on things above.

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed,

we too will be revealed with him in glory.

cf Ephesians 1.20,23; Colossians 3.1-4

[Christ has gone up on high.

Alleluia.]

Short Passages of Scripture

S1

‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Matthew 28.19,20

S2

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Luke 24.50-53

S3

‘I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.’

John 16.28

S4

While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’

Acts 1.10,11

S5

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

Romans 6.9

S6

It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

Romans 8.34

The Liturgy of the Feast of Pentecost

Structure

    The Gathering

The Greeting

Introduction

Responsory

The Pentecost Reading

Prayer for Personal Renewal

Gloria in Excelsis

The Collect

    The Liturgy of the Word

Reading

Canticle

Gospel Reading

Sermon

The Creed

Prayers of Intercession

    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Preparation of the Table

Taking of the Bread and Wine

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Giving of Communion

Prayer after Communion

    The Dismissal

Blessing of Light

Commission

Conclusion

The Liturgy of the Feast of Pentecost

¶    The Gathering

At the entry of the ministers a hymn may be sung.

The president may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

The Greeting

The president greets the people

Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

All   And also with you.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Introduction

The president introduces the service

Jesus Christ, whom we worship, is our crucified, risen and ascended Lord

and we have walked with him through his journey of love.

We have faced the agony of his suffering and death on a cross.

We have rejoiced at his bursting free from the bonds of death.

We have enjoyed his risen presence with us

and his revelation of himself through the breaking of bread.

We have seen his return to the throne before which every knee shall bow

and every tongue confess that this Jesus is Lord.

And now, with the followers of his own time,

we await the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, his gift to his people,

through whom we make Christ known to the world.

Responsory

As we wait in silence,

All   fill us with your Spirit.

As we listen to your word,

All   fill us with your Spirit.

As we worship you in majesty,

All   fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your refreshing,

All   fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your renewing,

All   fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your equipping,

All   fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your empowering,

All   fill us with your Spirit.

Silence is kept.

The Pentecost Reading

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2.1-13)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

The reader says

The Lord is here.

All   His Spirit is with us.

Prayer for Personal Renewal

Prayer for personal renewal and anointing may be offered here. Oil of Chrism may be used. Alternatively, oil blessed specially for the occasion may be used.

Oil may be brought forward, the bearer saying

Oil for the renewal of God’s people.

The president says

Be with us, Spirit of God;

All   nothing can separate us from your love.

Breathe on us, breath of God;

All   fill us with your saving power.

Speak in us, wisdom of God;

All   bring strength, healing, and peace.

If oil is to be blessed specially for the occasion the president says the following prayer

Blessed are you, sovereign God and eternal Father.

Daily your Spirit renews the face of the earth,

bringing strength out of weakness,

hope out of despair

and life out of death.

By the power of your Spirit,

may your blessing rest upon those anointed with this oil in your name.

Let it be for them

a sign of your acceptance and adoption,

your equipping and empowering.

Form in them the likeness of Christ,

that they may be witnesses of your astonishing love,

and fill them afresh with life in all its fullness.

Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

Those who wish to receive this ministry of prayer may come forward. Appropriate hymns and songs may be used.

When the prayer is ended the president says

Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All   Let us praise and bless God for ever.

Gloria in Excelsis

All   Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Let us pray that the Spirit will work through our lives

to bring Christ to the world.

Silence is kept.

God, who as at this time

taught the hearts of your faithful people

by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:

grant us by the same Spirit

to have a right judgement in all things

and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;

through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,

ignite in us your holy fire;

strengthen your children with the gift of faith,

revive your Church with the breath of love,

and renew the face of the earth,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Word

Reading

If the Acts reading has already been used, only one reading from Scripture precedes the Gospel reading.

At the end the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

Canticle

All   The Spirit of God fills the whole world. Alleluia.

1    I will take you from the nations,  

and gather you from all the countries.

2    I will sprinkle clean water upon you,  

and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses.

3    A new heart I will give you,  

and put a new spirit within you,

4    And I will remove from your body the heart of stone  

and give you a heart of flesh.

5    You shall be my people,  

and I will be your God.

Ezekiel 36.24-26,28b

All   The Spirit of God fills the whole world. Alleluia.

Gospel Reading

One of these acclamations may herald the Gospel reading

Alleluia, alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people

and kindle in them the fire of your love.

All   Alleluia.

(or)

Alleluia, alleluia.

There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;

by the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.

All   Alleluia.

(or)

Alleluia.

All   Alleluia.

There are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit.

All   Alleluia.

There are varieties of service but the same Lord.

All   Alleluia.

We are all brought into one body by baptism in the one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12.4,5;13.3

All   Alleluia.

[Jesus is Lord.]

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon
The Creed

An authorized translation of the Nicene Creed is used.

Prayers of Intercession

We pray for God to fill us with his Spirit.

Generous God,

we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit.

We ask that we may be strengthened to serve you better.

Lord, come to bless us

All   and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to make us wise to understand your will.

Lord, come to bless us

All   and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to keep us confident of your love wherever you call us.

Lord, come to bless us

All   and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to bring reconciliation and wholeness

where there is division, sickness and sorrow.

Lord, come to bless us

All   and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to equip us for the work which you have given us.

Lord, come to bless us

All   and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit.

We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus.

Lord, come to bless us

All   and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit,

given us by the risen Lord.

We ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed,

in the joy of eternal life.

Lord, come to bless us

All   and fill us with your Spirit.

Generous God,

you sent your Holy Spirit upon your Messiah at the river Jordan,

and upon the disciples in the upper room:

in your mercy fill us with your Spirit,

All   hear our prayer,

and make us one in heart and mind

to serve you with joy for ever. Amen.

Prayers of Penitence may be added at this point.

¶    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

God has made us one in Christ.

He has set his seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come,

has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts. Alleluia.

cf 2 Corinthians 1.22

The peace of the Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

These words may be added

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn may be sung.

The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

This or another prayer at the preparation of the table may be said

Blessed be God,

who feeds the hungry,

who raises the poor,

who fills our praise.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

The president takes the bread and wine.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The president uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers.

One of the following Proper Prefaces may be used where appropriate

It is indeed right, it is our duty and our joy,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

holy Father, almighty and everlasting God,

through Jesus Christ, your only Son our Lord.

This day we give you thanks

because in fulfilment of your promise

you pour out your Spirit upon us,

filling us with your gifts, leading us into all truth,

and uniting peoples of many tongues in the confession of one faith.

Your Spirit gives us grace to call you Father,

to proclaim your gospel to all nations

and to serve you as a royal priesthood.

Therefore we join our voices with angels and archangels,

and with all those in whom the Spirit dwells,

to proclaim the glory of your name,

for ever praising you and saying:

(or)

And now we give you thanks

that, after he had ascended far above all heavens,

and was seated at the right hand of your majesty,

he sent forth upon the universal Church your holy and life-giving Spirit;

that through his glorious power the joy of the everlasting gospel

might go forth into all the world.

The Lord’s Prayer

Being made one by the power of the Spirit,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

Being made one by the power of the Spirit,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break this bread

to share in the body of Christ.

All   Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

The Agnus Dei may be used as the bread is broken.

Giving of Communion

The president says this or another invitation to communion

Alleluia. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.

All   Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be used (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 181).

The president and people receive communion.

Authorized words of distribution are used and the communicant replies

Amen.

During the distribution hymns and anthems may be sung.

The Common Worship provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine and for disposing of what remains (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 182).

Prayer after Communion

Silence is kept.

This Post Communion or another suitable prayer is said

Faithful God,

who fulfilled the promises of Easter

by sending us your Holy Spirit

and opening to every race and nation

the way of life eternal:

open our lips by your Spirit,

that every tongue may tell of your glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

All may say one of the prayers here.

¶    The Dismissal

Blessing of Light

The ministers go to the Easter Candle.

A minister says

Blessed are you, sovereign God, overflowing in love.

With Pentecost dawns the age of the Spirit.

Now the flame of heaven rests on every believer.

Strong and weak, women and men tell out your word;

the young receive visions, the old receive dreams.

With the new wine of the Spirit

they proclaim your reign of love.

Amid the birth pangs of the new creation

the way of light is made known.

Source of freedom, giver of life,

blessed are you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All   Blessed be God for ever.

Each member of the congregation has a candle which is lit. A hymn may be sung as the candles are lit.

Commission

When all the candles are lit the president says

For fifty days we have celebrated the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over the powers of sin and death. We have proclaimed God’s mighty acts and we have prayed that the power that was at work when God raised Jesus from the dead might be at work in us.

As part of God’s Church here in N, I call upon you to live out what you proclaim.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, will you dare to walk into God’s future, trusting him to be your guide?

All   By the Spirit’s power, we will.

Will you dare to embrace each other and grow together in love?

All   We will.

Will you dare to share your riches in common and minister to each other in need?

All   We will.

Will you dare to pray for each other until your hearts beat with the longings of God?

All   We will.

Will you dare to carry the light of Christ into the world’s dark places?

All   We will.

If there are no other services on this feast the Easter Candle may be extinguished in silence.

Conclusion

The president says

The Lord is here.

All   His Spirit is with us.

Today we have remembered the coming of God’s power on the disciples and we invite that same Spirit to drive us out into the wild places of the world.

Weather permitting, the ministers and people process out of church, or to the back of the church. A hymn may be sung.

The president blesses the people, saying

May the Spirit,

who hovered over the waters when the world was created,

breathe into you the life he gives.

All   Amen.

May the Spirit,

who overshadowed the Virgin when the eternal Son came among us,

make you joyful in the service of the Lord.

All   Amen.

May the Spirit,

who set the Church on fire upon the Day of Pentecost,

bring the world alive with the love of the risen Christ.

All   Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

A minister says

Filled with the Spirit’s power,

go in the light and peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

All   Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2006 and published by Church House Publishing.

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