A Prayer about Joy on Easter Monday

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”…Matthew 28:8-9

Risen Lord,

On this Easter Monday, 

the day after we celebrated your resurrection, 

enlarge our imaginations and renew our wonder. 

May we see Mary Magdalene and the other Mary 

trembling before the angels who startle them with their news, 

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 

He is not here, for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6). 

I love to imagine their astonishment 

as they saw the angels; 

I love even more to think of how amazed 

they must have been to meet you 

along the road as they ran back toward Galilee. 

What joy they must have felt as you called out to them, 

“Greetings,” 

which translates the Greek word for “joy.”

Lord, this Easter Monday, 

fill us with the best Monday motivation 

for whatever lies before us this week: 

the joy that you have truly risen from the dead. 

The hope that because of you, 

we have been made into new creation. 

The faith that you are even now 

making us more and more like you every day. 

In your risen name we pray. Amen. 

Read Matthew 28:1-10.