A Prayerful Observance of Easter
A prayer for contemplation on the timeless message of Easter
Lord, You have arisen forever
In my heart!
May the sunrise
Remind me to shine in Your light
May the caress of a gentle breeze
Remind me of Your compassion
May the fragrance of a flower
Remind me to blossom in Your love
May the singing of birds
Bring a song of joy to my lips
And in the closing of each day
May I remember to quietly pray
Wherever I am, whatever I do
May my thoughts in joy return to You!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art17996.asp
The Christian festival of Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The spring festival has its roots in the Jewish Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from bondage in Egypt, and in the Christian reinterpretation of its meaning after the crucifixion of Jesus and the proclamation of his resurrection three days later.
Early Christians observed Easter on the same day as Passover (14-15 Nisan, a date governed by the lunar calendar). In the 2nd Century, the Christian celebration was transferred to the Sunday following the 14-15 Nisan, if that day fell on a weekday. Originally, the Christian Easter was a unitive celebration, but in the 4th Century, Good Friday became a separate commemoration of the death of Christ, and Easter was thereafter devoted exclusively to the Resurrection.
Easter Day is currently determined as the first Sunday after the full moon on or after March 21. Eastern Orthodox churches, however, follow the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar, so their celebration usually falls several weeks later than the Western Easter. Easter is preceded by the period of preparation called Lent.
Many American Christians observe the Easter Season, which includes Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Good Friday, with a period of prayer, fasting, and meditation. If you celebrate Easter, what rituals and prayers are included in your observance? Visit the prayer directory for examples of prayers to use in your commemoration.
Konjit | April 29, 2008 6:47 am
God speaks to humanity through his Messengers, like Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Christ and so on. In the past 160 years we have been told that All Religions are One, that they are like the different chapters of a book and all emanate from God. We exist to evolve and attain civilization; we are not stagnant beings. Thus, we need a set of Laws and Guidance from God from time to time. I appreciate this site in that it celebrates all of our religious heritages. Thank you!
Hope Lambert | April 23, 2008 12:47 pm
Tim Gil, a man bent on destroying traditional marriage by funding politicians that favor homosexual marriage and will seek to pass favorable laws to that end. He is funding liberal candidates under the radar, state by state. He has really targeted New York. Pray that God expose his every effort and Christians will speak up, stand up and pray against this attack by Satan.
Susan Kern | March 20, 2008 11:53 pm
I strongly believe in prayer and will have guests gather at my Easter table from different faiths. Thank you for giving me various ideas that I can compose one prayer applicable to all faiths and ages. Happy Easter and Happy Spring, Susan
Catherine | March 19, 2008 11:45 pm
My life is changed from trials, but there is one important thing I have learned: it doesn’t matter where I sit down to dinner; what matters are the people that I sit down with. Put the Lord first and everything will follow. Thank you, Lord, for your Love and the sacrifice you made on the cross for me. I love you.
Tammy | March 19, 2008 11:37 pm
If you are looking for an Easter dinner prayer, may I suggest reading Mark 15:3-5, Mark 15:37, and then Mark 16:5-6. Perhaps you can find other choices. I can’t think of anything better then to read verses from the Bible to remind us of why we celebrate this season! God’s blessings to you and your family!
Steve Owen | March 19, 2008 5:36 am
I’m looking for a real special Easter dinner prayer. I’m having a big family gathering and I want to make it special.
Thanks in advance
Steve
Carl Fagg | March 18, 2008 9:38 pm
I wish for every person the gift of God’s grace, and that all will turn their hearts to Jesus.