Prayer For Holy Saturday

(This prayer is intended for family use before a Crucifix on Holy Saturday.) No candles are illuminated on this day. Leader or a child: "May our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who alone rules all creation through His mighty word, yet bore the disgrace of the Cross and its heavy chains, who shattered the solid bronze barriers, and descended into the realm of the dead, who has brought forth the brilliance of a new light for those dwelling in the shadow of death. May He, the sun of righteousness, rising from the grave, enlighten our darkness with the wonderful radiance of His resurrected Body." Leader: The women gathered at the tomb. All: Were mourning and sorrowing for the Lord. Leader: Let us pray. Almighty God, who brightens this sacred night with the splendor of our Lord's resurrection, maintain in Your newly adopted children the spirit of adoption You have bestowed, that, renewed in both body and spirit, they may render to You a pure and holy service. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. All: Amen. Leader: Let us praise the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Leader: May the all-powerful and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and protect us. All:Amen.