Divine Mercy Sunday

Daily Easter Prayer

“Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth shall declare your praise.” 
 

Collect:

God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand 
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31

Daily Meditation: 
Kindle the faith of your people!

On this Second Sunday of Easter – Divine Mercy Sunday – 
we recall the great events of God’s everlasting mercy 
which we have celebrated over the past two weeks, 
through Holy Week and this past week’s accounting of 
the stories of the Resurrection. 
We are reminded today that 
the effect of the Resurrection on the first community 
is seen in the love they have for one another 
and the freedom they have 
to care for the least among them so generously. 
We can pray for that grace for our time.

The Thomas story is powerful. 
Jesus invites Thomas, in the midst of his doubts, 
to enter his wounds to know who he is, for Thomas and for us. 
We are invited today to contemplate those wounds, to enter them, 
to experience the power of God’s everlasting mercy for us, in Jesus, and to be grateful.
Believing is seeing – seeing that we have nothing to fear 
when we recognize our Lord and our God.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions: 
God the almighty Father raised Jesus as the firstborn from the dead, 
and made him our savior. 
Let us call upon him, saying:
  Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son. 

All-holy Father, you brought your beloved son Jesus 
from the darkness of death into the splendor of your glory,
 - bring us also into your marvelous light. 

You have given us faith to save us, 
 - may we live today by the faith of our baptism.

You command us to seek the things that area above,
where Christ is seated at your right hand, 
 - do not let us be deceived by the allurements of sin. 

May our life, hidden with Christ in you, our Father, shine before the world, 
 - foreshadowing a new heaven and a new earth.

Closing Prayer: 
Loving and merciful God,
may the Easter fires of this season set my heart aflame
and be the fire that starts other fires in this world.
Hold my heart close and sing your love to me
so my doubts don't fill my head and make me afraid.
May I recognize your face in those around me
and enter into their wounds.
Give me the gift of your compassion 
to love them as you love me.

May the Lord bless us, 
protect us from all evil 
and bring us to everlasting life. 
Amen.

Saturday - Easter Week

Daily Easter Prayer

“Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

O God, who by the abundance of your grace 
give increase to peoples who believe in you,
look with favor on those you have chosen
and clothe with blessed immortality 
those reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings  Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 188; Mark 16:9-15 
 

Daily Meditation: 
Give us undying life.

There has been an outpouring of grace these holy days. 
We ask that God continue to watch over us.

May our Lord, who gave us the grace for this wonderful journey, 
continue to bless us in our every day life journey, 
with the graces we need and desire along the way, 
that we might be able to do wonderful things, in Jesus' name.

Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. 
But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned. 
Everyone who believes me will be able to do wonderful things. 
By using my name they will force out demons, 
and they will speak new languages. 
They will handle snakes and will drink poison and not be hurt. 
They will also heal sick people by placing their hands on them. 
Mark 16:16-18

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Christ is the bread of life; he will raise up on the last day 
all who share the table of his word and his body. 
In our joy let us pray: 
 Lord, give us peace and joy. 

Son of God, you were raised from the dead to lead us into life, 
 - bless and sanctify all the children of your Father. 

You give peace and joy to all who believe in you, 
 - grant that we may walk as children of the light, rejoicing in your victory. 

Build up the faith of your pilgrim Church on earth, 
 - that it may bear witness to your resurrection before the whole world. 

You suffered and so entered into the glory of the Father, 
 - change the tears of the sorrowful into joy.

Closing Prayer: 
Loving Father, 
I feel your love for me 
and for all who have been brought into your family. 
I ask you to watch over me 
and let me feel the love you shower on me. 
I have been born again in baptism 
and long for the undying life you offer me. 
Help me to share this gift of faith 
you have bestowed on me.

May the Lord bless us, 
protect us from all evil 
and bring us to everlasting life. 
Amen. 

Friday - Easter Week

Daily Easter Prayer

“Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,
who gave us the Paschal Mystery
in the covenant you established 
for reconciling the human race,
so dispose our minds, we pray,
that what we celebrate by professing the faith
we may express in deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings  Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118; John 21:1-14 
 

Daily Meditation: 
Thank you for this covenant of reconciliation!

There are two powerful movements in our daily celebration of Easter. 
We keep acknowledging the gift of new life that has been given us, 
and we realize that we desire to gratefully respond 
so that the effects of these graces 
might be seen in the way we live - 
in greater loving service of others.

Jesus asked a third time, 
“Simon son of John, do you love me?” 
Peter was hurt because Jesus 
had asked him three times if he loved him. 
So he told Jesus, 
“Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” 
Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. 

John 21:17

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Let us pray to God the Father, 
who gave us new life through the risen Christ: 
 Give us the glory of your Son. 

Lord our God, your might works have revealed your eternal plan: 
you created the earth, and you are faithful in every generation, 
 - hear us, Father of mercy. 

Purify our hearts with your truth, 
and guide them in the way of holiness, 
 - so that we may do what is pleasing in your sight. 

Let your face shine upon us, 
 - that we may be freed from sin and filled with your plenty. 

You have the apostles the peace of Christ, 
 - grant peace to your people, and to the whole world.

Closing Prayer: 
Lord God, 
by the sacrifice of your son, Jesus, 
you have helped me to forgiveness and reconciliation. 
Help me to be more understanding, 
to love as you have loved us -- 
utterly forgiving and forgetting of my many flaws. 
Help me to live in this new way of loving 
as I celebrate my new life in your Easter mystery.

May the Lord bless us, 
protect us from all evil 
and bring us to everlasting life. 
Amen. 

Thursday - Easter Week

Daily Easter Prayer

“Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

O God, who have united the many nations
in confessing your name,
grant that hose reborn in the font of Baptism
may be one in the faith of their hearts 
and the homage of their deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings  Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8; Luke 24:35-48 
 

Daily Meditation: 
May we be one in faith and love.

The apostles' acts continue the work of Jesus, 
through the ways they bring his liberating message and his healing. 
And Jesus is very much with us this week, offering us his peace.

We ask to be able to share our faith and our love with others.

Jesus said, 
“Why are you so frightened? 
  Why do you doubt?   ... 
...you must tell everything that has happened. 
Luke 24:38, 48

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Christ rose from the dead as the first fruits of those who sleep. 
In our joy let us praise him, and say: 
  Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer. 

Lord Jesus, remember your holy Church, 
built on the apostles and reaching to the ends of the earth, 
 - and let your blessing rest on all who believe in you. 

You are the healer of soul and body, 
 - come to our aid, and save us in your love. 

Raise up the sick and give them strength, 
 - free them from their infirmities. 

Help those in distress of mind or body, 
 - and in your compassion lift up those in need. 

Through your cross and resurrection 
you opened for all the way to immortality, 
 - grant to our deceased brothers and sisters 
the joys of your kingdom. 

Closing Prayer: 
Father, 
we are scattered in this world 
and so easily distracted from seeing you. 
Help me to gather those around me 
in your love. 
Let me praise your name from my heart 
and rejoice that I have been 
reborn in baptism 
through your faith and love for me.

May the Lord bless us, 
protect us from all evil 
and bring us to everlasting life. 
Amen.

Wednesday - Easter Week

Daily Easter Prayer

“Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

O God, who gladden us year by year
with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection,
graciously grant
that, by celebrating these present festivities,
we may merit through them to reach eternal joys.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings  Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105; Luke 24:13-35 
 

Daily Meditation: 
Give us the joy of this feast.

What transformation can happen in our lives 
if we come to know that Jesus is with us in the breaking of bread - 
whenever we share some of who we are with others in love, 
wherever there is suffering and brokenness. 
This is a great joy to desire and ask for.

Then Jesus asked the two disciples, 
“Why can't you understand? 
How can you be so slow to believe all that the prophets said? 
Didn't you know that the Messiah would have to suffer 
before he was given his glory?” ... 
Then the disciples from Emmaus 
told what happened on the road 
and how they knew he was the Lord 
when he broke the bread. 
Luke 24:25-26; 35

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Christ was given up for our sins and rose again to make us righteous. 
Let us cry out to him, saying: 
  Save us, Lord, by your victory. 

Christ our Savior, in conquering death you brought us joy, 
in rising again you raised us up and
filled us with the abundance of your gifts, 
 - stir up our hearts, and sanctify this day through the gift of your Holy Spirit. 

You are glorified by the angels in heaven 
and adored by mankind on earth; as we celebrate your resurrection, 
 - accept our worship in spirit and in truth. 

Lord Jesus, save us; show your great mercy to your people, 
as we look forward to our own resurrection, 
 - have mercy on us, and protect us today from every evil. 

King of glory, source of our life, grant that, when you come again, 
 - we may be one with you in glory.

Closing Prayer: 
Loving Father, 
Do I feel this joy so deeply each year? 
I know how solemn this season is 
and yet I am overcome by sheer delight. 
I celebrate this joyful time of remembering 
how I am brought to new life 
by the sacrifice your son made for me. 
Help me to remember the invitation you extend 
for me to rise to new life in you.

May the Lord bless us, 
protect us from all evil 
and bring us to everlasting life. 
Amen. 

Tuesday - Easter Week

Daily Easter Prayer

“Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

O God, Who have bestowed on us paschal remedies,
endow your people with heavenly gifts,
so that, possessed of perfect freedom,
they may rejoice in heaven
over what gladdens them now on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings  Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33; John 20:11-18 
 

Daily Meditation: 
You give us the freedom of the children of God.

The opportunity to recognize the healing power of love 
that has been offered us really does fill these days with power. 
It is about recognizing Jesus alive, and Jesus with me now. 
It is about freedom from fear, freedom for courageous love and service.

Mary turned around and saw Jesus standing there. 
But she did not know who he was. 
Jesus asked her, 
“Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” 
John 20:14-15

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
By his own power Christ raised up the temple of his body 
when it had been destroyed in death. 

With joy let us ask him: 
  Lord, share with us the fruits of your victory. 

Christ our Savior, when you rose again 
you brought to the holy women and the apostles 
the joyful news of a world redeemed, 
 - make us witnesses to your risen life. 

You promised to all people 
that we would rise up again to newness of life, 
 - make us heralds of your Gospel. 

You showed yourself to your apostles 
and breathed the Holy Spirit on them, 
 - renew in us the presence of the same creator Spirit. 

You promised to be with your disciples 
to the end of the world, 
  - stay with us today, and remain with us always.

Closing Prayer: 
Loving God, 
I feel your healing touch deep in my soul. 
I sense the power of Easter in your love for me. 
It is the power of your love 
that frees me to rely on your gentle care. 
I am filled with joy at the many gifts you give me. 
Let me now feel free to celebrate your love 
and share it with others.

May the Lord bless us, 

protect us from all evil 

and bring us to everlasting life. 

Amen. 

Monday - Easter Week

Daily Easter Prayer

“Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

O God, Who give constant increase
to your Church by new offspring,
grant that your servants may hold fast in their lives
to the Sacrament they have received in faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings  Acts 2:14, 22-32; Psalm 16; Matthew 28:8-15 
 

Daily Meditation: 
Help us put our baptism into action.

Sometimes, we hardly believe that tomb is empty. 
Sometimes, our grief holds a vigil outside many tombs. 
This week we let the reality of the resurrection of Jesus penetrate our hearts. 
We died with Jesus in baptism, and we will rise with him in glory. 
We can pause throughout our day, 
even while moving from one thing to another, 
to remember what this day is about. 
We may want to renew our Baptismal promises several times this week, 
each time using our own words - 
making our promises concrete, 
as we reflect upon what would put our baptism into action in our lives.

The women were frightened and yet very happy, 
as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. 
Matthew 28:8

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
The Father glorified Jesus and appointed him heir to all nations. 
Let us praise him, saying: 
  Save us, Lord, through your victory. 

Lord Christ, by your victory you broke the power of evil and destroyed sin and death, 
 - make us victorious over sin today. 

You laid death low, and brought us new life, 
 - grant that we may walk today in this new life, 

You gave life to the dead, and led mankind from death to life, 
 - give eternal life to all those we shall meet today. 

You brought confusion on the guards at your tomb, but joy to your disciples, 
 - grant the fullness of joy to all who serve you.

Closing Prayer: 
Loving Father, 
How do I live the baptismal promises 
I made again over the weekend? 
I want to live my life in service of you. 
Help me to carry the gift of faith 
I received from you. 
Help me to welcome those 
who joined the church in baptism. 
Guide me and give me the courage 
to live my faith, to accept your love.

May the Lord bless us, 

protect us from all evil 

and bring us to everlasting life. 

Amen.