Easter Family Prayer

This blessing formula has been adapted from the Pocket Ritual

[The order for the blessing of families in the home directly pertains to the family and therefore requires the presence of all or most of the family members.]

Introductory Rite

[An appropriate hymn should be sung here.]

We are gathering together unto Him,
We are gathering together unto Him;
Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be;
We are gathering together unto Him;

We are praying together unto Him,
We are praying together unto Him;
Unto Him shall the praying of the people be;
We are praying together unto Him;

Head of the Family (HF) : Peace be upon our house and all of you.
Family : And also with you.

[In the following or similar words, which should always be adapted to suit the particular family situation, the HF prepares those present for the blessing.]

HF : The purpose of this rite of blessing is that Christ may enter our home to bring us His peace and unite our family, with Him being the centre and bond of our union. Let us, then, prepare ourselves inwardly, so that, through the Holy Spirit, Christ himself will speak to us in this celebration and bring us the comfort of His presence.

Reading of the Word of God

[One of the family members reads one of the following or any other appropriate text of Sacred Scripture: Colossians 3:12-21 or Ephesians 4:1-6.]

Psalm 128

Response : How blessed are all who fear the Lord!

How blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in his ways!
Your own labours will yield you a living,
happy and prosperous will you be. (Response)

Your wife a fruitful vine
in the inner places of your house.
Your children round your table
like shoots of an olive tree. (Response)

Such are the blessings that fall on those who fear the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion!
May you see Jerusalem prosper all the days of your life,
and live to see your children’s children! (Response)

Intercessions

[The HF introduces the intercessions. The family members in turn could lead in the intercessions. From the following intentions those best suited may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.]

HF : My dear loved ones, these are days of our Easter gladness. Through the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Risen Christ, whom the Father has made the beginning and the foundation of our communion with each other. Calling on His name, let us say to Him: Lord, stay with us.
Response : Lord, stay with us.

Family Member : Lord Jesus Christ, after the resurrection you appeared and gladdened the Apostles with the gift of your peace, make this our family aware of your presence and help us to strive to remain close to you in the serenity of your peace. For this let us pray to the Lord
Response : Lord, stay with us.

Family Member : You reached the glory of the Resurrection through the humiliation of your passion; teach all of us how to use even our daily trials to build up our home in love. For this let us pray to the Lord
Response : Lord, stay with us.

Family Member : While you were at the table with the disciples you showed yourself to them through the breaking of the bread; as we share in the Eucharist with our Christian community, make us strong in faith and eager witnesses to our Faith before the world. For this let us pray to the Lord
Response : Lord, stay with us.

Family Member: With the power of the Holy Spirit you filled the house where the disciples were gathered; send the same Holy Spirit, upon us with the gifts of peace and joy. For this let us pray to the Lord
Response : Lord, stay with us.

Family Member: Lord, you healed the sick, heal us of our aches and pains, keep us safe from all illness, especially from the Corona Virus.
Response : Lord, stay with us.

(Add your own intentions.)

HF : Let us now pray one ‘Our Father’, one ‘Hail Mary’ and a ‘Glory Be’.

[The HF then sprinkles Holy Water on the altar, on all present and all over the house. S/he now blesses each family member with the Sign of the Cross on the forehead. The service ends with an appropriate hymn.]

There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

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