Prayer: "An Easter Prayer," by Fr. Larry Snyder of Catholic Charities USA

Good and gracious God, Our most glorious Creator,
As we greet the signs in nature around us of
Spring once again regaling us in bloom,
In the songs of returning birds and fields
soon to be planted, We give you praise
for an even greater sign of new life:
the resurrection of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
that we especially celebrate at this time. 

The sadness and despair of his death
has given way to the bright promise of immortality,
For the Resurrection is our guarantee that justice
will triumph over treason, Light will overcome darkness,
and love will conquer death. 

As we celebrate we also dare to ask for your grace
that we may live the promise given to us,
By imitating the life of Jesus in reaching out to the poor,
the marginalized, the least among us,
As we strive to be neighbor to all those we meet.

Adapted prayer offered by Fr. Larry Snyder, then president of Catholic Charities USA, at the fourth annual White House Easter Prayer Breakfast on April 8, 2013