Easter Flowers and Prayer

Lord of life,
in the joy of Easter morning we give you thanks:
that light has overcome evil,
that love has triumphed over death,
and that in Christ a new creation has begun.
Yet we bring before you a world still marked by suffering,
by war and division, by grief, fear, and injustice.
Hold in your mercy all who suffer,
and make us instruments of your peace.
Risen Christ,
as you passed through death into life,
draw us also into that new life:
that we may live not for ourselves,
but in hope, courage, and love –
bearing witness to your resurrection in all we do.
May the joy of Easter strengthen us,
​the hope of Easter sustain us,
and the life of Easter transform us,
until all things are made new in you.
Amen.