A Vigil for Easter
The Book of Common Prayer is a compilation of prayers, liturgies, and other ceremonies and rites that was originally created by the Anglican Church in 1549. Today, after many revisions, it is still used within the Anglical, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches, as well as others. While the FEBC does not follow or hold to the theological ideals of these church denominations, resources such as the Book of Common Prayer may be helpful in finding new ways to focus times of prayer or worship on the Word of God and in doing so, focus our hearts and minds on God.
Easter is a time steeped in tradition and has a very deep significance in the lives of Christians. Gaining understanding of traditions of the past can help us focus our times of worship and preparation during such a significant celebration for Christians around the world.
Below is an excerpt from the Book of Common Prayer that is focused on the celebration of Easter along with a parallel Scripture passage. I pray this creates an atmosphere in your lives to truly focus on the meaning of Easter and enables you to better worship our wonderful Savior.
—Editor
“The Lighting of the Paschal Candle Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in
which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death ...
It is truly right and good, always and everywhere,
with our whole heart and mind and voice, to praise you, the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who at the feast of the Passover paid for us the debt of Adam’s sin, and by his blood delivered your faithful people.
This is the night, when you brought our fathers, the
children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea on dry land.
This is the night, when all who believe in Christ are
delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness of life.
This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of
death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave. How wonderful and beyond our knowing, O God, is
your mercy and loving-kindness to us, that to redeem a slave, you gave a Son.
How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to
flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord.
How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven
are joined and man is reconciled to God. Holy Father, accept our evening sacrifice, the offer-
ing of this candle in your honor. May it shine continual- ly to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find it ever burning — he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
FELLOWSHIP FOCUS, APRIL/MAY 2021 14
— Book of Common Prayer, Easter Vigil, pages 286-287
Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?
— Psalm 42:1-7
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