We give thanks to You, O Lord Jesus Christ, exalted Prince of Life, that You gave Yourself for us into death, out of divine love, and offered Yourself to Your heavenly Father as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, thus delivering us from the power of death, the devil, and eternal damnation. In proof of this You, the Prince of Life and the Lord over death, rose from the dead on the third day, and brought forth righteousness, innocence, and eternal life. We pray You, grant us grace, that, by the working of Your Holy Spirit in us, we may take deep-felt joy and comfort in Your death and resurrection, thereby quiet our conscience and overcome all fear of death. And let Your resurrection be to us a cause and incentive to good works and fruits of righteousness, that we, as Your people, may be willing to worship You in the beauty of holiness. Grant that we may daily die to sin, crucify and slay the old Adam with his lusts and desires; that, on the other hand, we may arise spiritually, begin to live in righteousness, walk in a new life, purge out the old leaven, and become a new leaven. Grant furthermore, we beseech You, that we may look forward with comfort and joy to the resurrection of our deceased bodies, which on the last day shall come forth again by virtue of Your resurrection, and may we then with body and soul enter Your kingdom of heavenly glory and grandeur. Amen.
