Call to Worship / Benediction for Easter 2


Here are a few possible Calls to Worship and Benedictions based on I Peter 1:3-9 and Psalm 16, two of the suggested scripture passages (Revised Common Lectionary) for the second Sunday of Easter (Year A). 

Easter 2: Call to Worship I
(based on 1 Peter 1)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who, in his great mercy, has brought us to life again
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!
Rejoice!
Come into his presence with joy and singing!


Easter 2: Responsive Call to Worship II
(based on 1 Peter 1; Revelation 7)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Through the resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ,
we have been born anew into a living hope;
we have been given an inheritance that will never pass away!
Blessing and glory
and honor and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! 
Amen.


Easter 2: Call to Worship III
(based on 1 Peter 1)

Praise God!
Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
we have been given a brand-new life,
and a glorious future!
Come into his presence with praise and thanksgiving,
with laughter and song.
Give thanks to him, and praise his name!


Easter 2: Call to Worship IV
(based on 1 Peter 1)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
whom we do not yet see, yet whom we love;
whom we have not yet met, yet whom we trust!
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and praise;
and celebrate what he has done for us!


Easter 2: Call to Worship V
(1 Peter 1:3-4 The Voice)

Blessed is God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Liberator!
Because he has raised Jesus, the Liberator, from death,
through his great mercy we have been reborn into a living hope—
reborn for an eternal inheritance, held in reserve in heaven,
that will never fade or fail.
Come, let us worship God together!


Easter 2: Benediction I
(based on Psalm 16)

As you go from here,
know that God is always with you.
Do not be shaken, for he is right beside you.
He will show you the way that leads to life!


Easter 2: Benediction II
(based on Psalm 16)

Keep the Lord always before you.
If he is beside you, you cannot be shaken.
He will show you the path to life,
and in his presence you will discover unending joy.

The wonderful image at the top of this post, "Jesus appears to Thomas"
is by Jesus Mafa, a set of African illustrations of the gospel story.  
To learn more about their wonderful art, visit their website.

For more worship resources for the first Sunday after Easter,
click on "Easter 2" in the list of "Links" to the right.