The Catholic Church has carefully arranged its liturgical calendar. Each season of this liturgical year carries with it the mysteries of the birth, life, ministry, passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church sees to it that all of the faithful be reminded of the life of Christ in each season of the liturgical calendar.
At the center of the Church’s liturgical year is the celebration of Easter. It commemorates the glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. Through His Paschal Mystery, Christ has defeated and conquered sin and death. His passion, death, and resurrection have won for us reconciliation with the Father and eternal life.
As we gather at the table to share this Easter dinner with our loved ones, may we all remember Christ’s selfless sacrifice for our salvation. May we always be hopeful for the days ahead. May we be more determined to live our lives worthily before God and our neighbors.
Easter dinner prayer
Lord God, almighty and eternal Father, today, the Church around the world celebrates the most solemn and important mystery of our faith. Today, we look back and joyfully remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. With hearts full of joy and gratitude, we proclaim: Christ is risen, alleluia, alleluia!
On this most holy day of Easter, we gather in faith, hope, and love with our family and friends to celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. We cannot fully express our gratitude for Your gift of salvation given to us, unworthy as we are, through His selfless sacrifice on the cross.
Father, as we joyfully gather around this table, we humbly ask that You bless all of us and this food set before us. May we be nourished and strengthened by these gifts to continue the work that You have set before us.
We also pray that You bless all those who have prepared this food. As they have given so much, may You also bless them abundantly. May they never get tired of sharing whatever they have.
We also remember and pray for our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate than us. We pray for them, dear God, especially those who do not have the privilege of celebrating Easter with a bountiful meal. Please be with them and provide for them this evening. Make us the instruments of Your grace and love to them.
We pray for all our brothers and sisters who are not here with us because of sickness. Lay Your healing hand upon them. May they find peace and consolation in You and Your assuring presence. May they unite their suffering with the saving sacrifice of the Risen Christ.
We humbly ask You, dear Lord God, for Your guidance and strength as we go forth from this table to continue living out our faith in all that we do, wherever we are, and in everyone we meet every day. Your Son has given us the example of humility and service. May we follow in His footsteps daily.
Make us Your hands to help others. Make us Your feet to journey with our brethren. Make us Your heart to love and care for everyone, especially the needy and the poor. Make us Your presence in this world.
We ask all these through Your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Short Easter prayer before dinner
Sovereign Lord, today is a day of joy and gladness. We remember the glorious resurrection of Christ, Your Son. As we gather tonight to share the Easter joy through this meal, may we be filled with the Easter spirit of love and happiness. As we partake of this meal, may we be united in fellowship and communion with You and one another. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NRSVUE
So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NRSVUE
Easter prayer for dinner to Saint Peter the Apostle
Beloved Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles, we gather tonight on this most blessed Easter day to solemnly and joyfully celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. How blessed were you, O Saint Peter, to experience first-hand the wonder, glory, and joy of Christ’s empty tomb!
We also reflect on the most precious times you shared a meal with the Lord Jesus Christ. It must have been an awe-filled encounter with Him. We can only imagine the stories you shared with Him, the laughter, and the time you spent with Him at the table. Truly, you were so blessed to experience God in the flesh.
We ask you to be with us as we partake of this meal with our loved ones. May we be blessed and nourished by this food as we fulfill the will of the Father for us. Intercede for all of us that He blesses this dinner and all those who have prepared it. May this meal strengthen us as we continue living out our faith.
We also ask you to pray for our brothers and sisters who are struggling now. We pray for those who are suffering. Please pray for them to God that they may find comfort, peace, and hope in the promise of the resurrection. We also pray that we may become a source of compassion and support for them.
You are the Rock upon which the Lord built His Church. We look to you as our model and guide in our faith. May we embody the zeal and devotion you exhibited throughout your life. May we, too, follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ.
O blessed Saint Peter, you shared meals with Jesus after His resurrection. As we share this food, may we become the presence of Jesus to each other. Help us to share not just this meal but our life, faith, and love with all the world. Please help us to be faithful followers in spreading the Gospel of salvation to all we encounter.
Saint Peter the Apostle, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
Easter reminds us that Christ has once and for all reinstated our broken relationship with God because of sin and pride. Through His redemptive act, we have become sons and daughters of God. Easter is also an opportune time for us to celebrate with our respective families. It is often marked by festive gatherings and hearty meals where family members celebrate this most important feast of our faith with joy.
Easter dinner is a blessed opportunity to celebrate Christ’s resurrection together with our loved ones. As we partake of this festive meal, may our hearts be filled with the joy and hope that Easter brings to all of us. May we be determined to bring this joy and hope to everyone we meet – not just at Easter but all the days of our lives.
