Easter Vigil
For centuries, Christians have kept vigil through prayer and worship during the hours leading up to Easter morning. Whether it is celebrated after sunset on Holy Saturday or just before sunrise on Easter morning, this adaptation of the Great Vigil of Easter is meant to serve as a guide as we mark the end of our Lenten journey and celebrate the beginning of an even greater Easter feast.
The Great Vigil of Easter
From darkness into light
About the Vigil
The Great Vigil of Easter is the Church’s first celebration of the Resurrection. It’s the reverse of the Good Friday Service; this one moves from darkness into light, from waiting into joy. Traditionally, it takes place between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter morning, keeping watch for the moment Christ rises.
When celebrated in a church setting, the service unfolds in several parts: we begin in darkness, listen to the story of God’s saving work throughout Scripture, celebrate new life in Baptism, and share in Holy Communion. Together, these moments trace the story of salvation—from creation to resurrection.
Below, you’ll find an adapted version of the Vigil that you can follow at home. We encourage you to gather friends or family and move through it together—taking your time, reading aloud, and immersing yourselves in the story.
Before Beginning
Take a moment to prepare your space and gather what you’ll need.
Decide how many of the Scripture readings you’d like to include. We recommend choosing at least three of the twelve Old Testament readings. The reading from Exodus—the crossing of the Red Sea—is especially central, as it tells the story of God leading his people from captivity into freedom. There are two readings from the New Testament in the final section. Have one or more Bibles ready for the readers.
You’ll also need candles: one for each reading, plus one larger candle to serve as your Paschal Candle. This candle represents Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. You’ll light it first and then another after each reading.
If possible, gather in a dim or darkened room. The growing light will become part of the story. Choose a comfortable space free from distraction.
Finally, consider preparing a simple meal or dessert to share at the end. The Vigil begins in stillness and anticipation, but it ends in celebration—so this is your moment to break the Lenten fast and begin the Easter feast together.
The Liturgy of Light
Everything begins in darkness. One person is appointed as the Celebrant and begins the service by saying…
Celebrant:
Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and honoring his Sacrifice, we share in his victory over death.
Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: sanctify this new fire, we pray, and so set us aflame with the fire of your love, that with pure hearts and kindled affections we may attain to the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A candle representing the Paschal Candle is now lit.
Celebrant:
May the light of Christ, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
The light of Christ.
People:
Thanks be to God.
Take a moment in silence. Let the new light settle.
The Liturgy of The Word
This section contains key passages from Scripture that recount God’s faithfulness through history. At least three of the twelve in this section are read aloud, with the Exodus account being considered essential. There are additional Psalms listed that you can choose to read as well.
After each, a candle is lit, and the light grows. A period of silence for reflection may be kept, and the Collect (prayer) provided, or some other appropriate prayer, may be shared aloud.
Celebrant:
How holy is this night when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord.
How blessed is this night when earth and heaven are joined, and humanity is reconciled to God.
Let us hear the record of God’s saving deeds in history, remembering how he saved his people in ages past and in the fullness of time sent his Son to be our Redeemer; and let us pray that God may bring to completion in each of us the saving work he has begun.
The Story of Creation
Genesis 1:1–2:3
Psalm 104:1–13 (14–24)
Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the first candle from the Paschal Candle.
1.
The Fall
Genesis 3
Psalm 32
Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, you sent your blessed Son, the seed of the woman, that he might crush the serpent’s head and make all creation new: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
2.
The Flood
Genesis 7:1–5, 11–18; 8:8–18; 9:8–13
Psalm 36 or 46
Let us pray. (Silence)
Almighty God, you have placed in the skies the sign of your covenant with all living things: Grant that we, who are saved through water and the Spirit, may worthily offer to you our sacrifice of thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
3.
Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac
Genesis 22:1–18
Psalm 33:12–22 or 16
Let us pray. (Silence)
God and Father of all believers, for the glory of your Name multiply, by the grace of the Paschal sacrament, the number of your children; that your Church may rejoice to see fulfilled your promise to our father Abraham; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
4.
Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea
Exodus 14:10–15:1 (2–21)
Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
5.
God’s Presence in a Renewed Israel
Isaiah 4:2–6
Psalm 122
Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, you led your ancient people by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night: Grant that we, who serve you now on earth, may come to the joy of that heavenly Jerusalem, where all tears are wiped away and where your saints for ever sing your praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
6.
Salvation Offered Freely to All
Isaiah 55:1–11
Isaiah 12:2–6 or Psalm 42:1–7
Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, you have created all things by the power of your Word, and you renew the earth by your Spirit: Give now the water of life to those who thirst for you, that they may bring forth abundant fruit in your glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
7.
A New Heart and a New Spirit
Ezekiel 36:24–28
Psalm 42:1–7 or Isaiah 12:2–6
Let us pray. (Silence)
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
8.
The Valley of Dry Bones
Ezekiel 37:1–14
Psalm 30 or 126
Let us pray. (Silence)
Almighty God, by the Passover of your Son you have brought us out of sin into righteousness and out of death into life: Grant to those who are sealed by your Holy Spirit the will and the power to proclaim you to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
9.
The Three Young Men in the Furnace
Daniel 3:1–28
Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
10.
Jonah and The Fish
Jonah 1:1–2:10
Psalm 130
Let us pray. (Silence)
Almighty God, by the resurrection of your Son you have brought us out of sin into righteousness and out of death into life: Grant to those who are sealed by your Holy Spirit the will and the power to proclaim you to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the next candle.
11.
The Gathering of God’s People
Zephaniah 3:12–20
Psalm 98
Let us pray. (Silence)
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Light the last candle.
12.
The Liturgy of Praise
The light has broken through the darkness. Light more candles or turn on lights. This marks the end of the Lenten Journey and the beginning of Easter. Our two final readings are read, songs may be sung (e.g., The Doxology), and the celebration begins!
Celebrant:
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
People:
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Celebrant:
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The service continues with the Epistle reading
The Epistle
Romans 6:3–11
Psalm 114
All stand, for the Gospel
Reader:
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People:
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
The Gospel
Matthew 28:1–10
Reader:
The Gospel of the Lord.
People:
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
It’s time to celebrate. Play music, ring bells, sing a song or hymn. Rejoice together. The season of waiting is over. Jesus Christ is alive!
A Liturgy of Feasting
The Vigil ends not in silence, but in celebration. This marks the beginning of Easter, a season of taking up good food and drink, singing songs, and giving gifts as we’re able! Share a meal together. Give thanks. Rejoice. The fast is over. Death has been defeated. Christ is risen. Alleluia!
Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast!
1 Corinthians 5:7–8