Easter, the glorious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus our Lord and God, is a feast and season rooted in renewal, light and hope.
Easter invites us, especially in later life and old age, to reflect not only on Christ’s rising but also on the quiet transformations throughout our own lives. The moments of joy and sorrow, success and failure, achievement and loss that have shaped us through a lifetime of walking, sometimes steadily, sometimes falteringly, toward the light. The eternal hope of Easter is God’s enduring promise that new life can and will emerge, for all who seek it, whatever age and stage of life.
Growing Old Grace-fully, Easter 2026
Our journey towards the empty tomb
Loving God,
in this Easter season of new life and quiet hope,
we come before You with hearts shaped by many years.
We thank You for the journey behind us—
for the joys that have lifted us,
the sorrows that have deepened us,
and the faith that has carried us through every season.
As we grow older, Lord,
teach us to see Your resurrection not only in grand moments,
but in gentle mornings, steady breaths,
and the kindness we both give and receive.
When our bodies tire and our steps slow,
renew our spirits with Your living presence.
When memories crowd our minds—both sweet and painful—
hold us in Your peace and remind us we are never alone.
Help us to trust that even now,
You are still bringing new life within us—
new patience, new understanding, new grace.
May we face each day with quiet courage,
resting in the promise that Your love does not fade with time.
And as Easter proclaims life beyond death,
fill us with calm assurance and hope,
that our journey leads ever closer to You.
Amen.
Growing Old Grace-fully
You Are the Resurrection
How wonderful, Lord Jesus, you came back
You suffered death but conquered it
You laid in the tomb but on the third day
You rose again
O joyful day, Lord Jesus, when you returned
You are the resurrection, our hope and our life
O glorious and victorious Redeemer
Help us not to be afraid of death
For we must pass through it to see you face to face
And on the last day we will rise again
For you said so
Let us rejoice and praise you
Our Blessed and triumphant Lord
On this happy, joyful feast.
Amen.
O Risen Christ
O Risen Christ,
You breathe your Holy Spirit on us
and you tell us: ‘Peace be yours’.
Opening ourselves to your peace –
letting it penetrate the harsh and rocky ground of our hearts –
means preparing ourselves to be
bearers of reconciliation
wherever you may place us.
But you know that at times
we are at a loss.
So come and lead us
to wait in silence,
to let a ray of hope shine forth
In our world.
Amen.
Brother Roger, Taizé prayer