PRAYERS FOR YOUR CELEBRATION
Prayers of the Faithful for the Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil has a carefully ordered liturgy, including the baptismal celebration or renewal of baptismal promises. Its Universal Prayer must be prepared within that whole structure. These examples include a short petition for the newly baptized or those renewed in faith, while retaining the needs of the Church and the world. Select the wording that describes the celebration accurately; do not mention baptisms that are not taking place. The sets are original intercession examples, not replacements for the Litany of the Saints, the blessing of water, or any other prescribed text. The priest and preparation team should review the complete Vigil together.
THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER
Prayers of the Faithful for the Easter Vigil
PRIEST · INTRODUCTION
With joy in Christ’s resurrection, let us bring the needs of the Church and the whole world to the Father.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the Church throughout the world, that God may strengthen her faith and sustain her mission among all peoples.
We pray to the Lord.
For public leaders and all entrusted with authority, that the Lord may grant them wisdom and protect the people in their care.
We pray to the Lord.
For all who lack a safe home or enough to eat, that the Lord may provide help and restore their hope.
We pray to the Lord.
For those baptized this holy night, that God may strengthen their faith and bless their new life in the Church.
We pray to the Lord.
For deceased members of our families and parish, that Christ may welcome them into the joy of his kingdom.
We pray to the Lord.
For our parish and all who seek a welcome here, that the Lord may grant peace, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
We pray to the Lord.
PRIEST · CONCLUDING PRAYER
Father of life, hear our prayers. Sustain those beginning life in Christ and renew your whole Church in Easter faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Click or tap any prayer text to edit. Your changes stay on this device.
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
Preparing these prayers.
What if no one is being baptized at the Vigil?
Use the option referring to those renewed in baptismal faith. Do not print a petition that claims a baptism or reception is taking place when it is not.
Do these replace the Litany of the Saints?
No. The litany and baptismal texts belong to their prescribed places in the Vigil. These are examples for the Universal Prayer, to be prepared within the whole celebration.
Can an ordinary Easter Sunday set be substituted automatically?
No. Check the Vigil’s actual rites, reading selections, and participants. The heading and petitions should accurately reflect the celebration being prepared.
