Easter is about Jesus’ resurrection, which paved the way to life after death for us too. But in the meantime, most of us need help and hope right now. If you want to pray but don’t have the words, these Easter prayers are a good place to start.
As a kid, my first Easter prayers were about getting a good haul in my Easter basket. Things are a bit different now. That’s because I’ve learned that Easter is about so much more than just jelly beans; it’s about hope and renewal.
Most of us come into each day with a need for something to be renewed or brought back to life. Maybe it’s a relationship, or something like energy, peace, or hope for the future. Whatever it may be for you, there’s good news.
Easter is all about a fresh start.
That’s because Easter is the celebration of Jesus coming back to life after His crucifixion. His resurrection confirmed that we can trust everything about Him—how He lived, what He taught, and what His sacrificial death accomplished on the cross. There’s no one like Jesus—real life is found in Him.
These Easter Sunday prayers are here to help you remember that what’s true about Easter is also true for every day of your life.
Today, celebrating Easter often looks like dressing up, going to church, and sharing a meal. But what about the Monday after Easter? Jesus will still be alive, and a fresh start will be just as possible, but we can begin to forget what Jesus did. So these Easter Sunday prayers are here to help you remember that what’s true about Easter is also true for every day of your life.
Even after Easter has passed, you can have confidence that hope and renewal are possible in every area of your life, any day of the year.
7 Easter Prayers
Before you scroll, one quick thing: These prayers aren’t magic. They’re not formulas that unlock something if you say them the right way. They’re just words. Helpful words—but the power isn’t saying the correct order of words to God; it’s in being honest as you talk with Him.
So feel free to read them slowly, pause halfway through, or change the words to fit your situation. You can pray these prayers alone or in a group.
1. An Easter Prayer of Gratitude for the Resurrection
Jesus, I’ve heard the Easter story so many times that I can sometimes move past it without really engaging with it. Today, I’m asking You to make it new for me again.
Thank You for the empty tomb and what it means for my whole life, not just my church life. Thank You for choosing the cross—knowing even the worst parts of me and loving me anyway. Thank You for Your amazing victory over death and sin!
Because You rose, I can believe that my past is forgiven, my present has purpose, and my future is still being written. Help me live like the resurrection is true on Monday and every day of the year, so that the way I speak, love, forgive, hope, and welcome reflects Your example. In Your all-powerful name, Jesus, amen.
Read the full story of Jesus’ resurrection.
2. An Easter Prayer for New Beginnings
Heavenly Father, I feel stuck, purposeless, and not really sure what to do next. Today, please help me to find a fresh start. The resurrection of Your Son Jesus shows me that new life is possible, and I believe it, even if I can’t see a way forward yet. Please show me my next step, and help me live with confidence in Your love for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. An Easter Prayer for When You Feel Far From God
Holy Spirit of God, I’ve felt far from You for a while now, but I believe that You still love me and want a relationship with me. Thank You that the resurrection proves You are not far away from me and that nothing can separate me from Your love. Please remind me of Your presence, even when I don’t sense You. And help me to seek You through living and loving like You do. Thank You for being patient with me, and please help me to grow closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God loves you unconditionally. Here’s what that means.
4. An Easter Prayer for Hope in Hard Times
God, I’m not going to pretend with You. I believe You love me, but it’s hard for me to trust You right now. I want to have hope, but life just feels impossible. Thank You that the resurrection means You’re not intimidated by my obstacles. Please help me to experience Your hope and peace. When I start to feel hopeless, please remind me of Your love. And please give me strength to keep moving forward. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. An Easter Sunday Dinner Prayer to Pray With Family and Friends
Lord Jesus, thank You for this table, these people, and the fact that we get to be together! It’s so good to eat and laugh together. Please help us not to miss what we’re actually celebrating.
You went to the cross for us, You walked out of the grave, and because You’re alive, this day changes everything. Please give us Your peace, and let joy show up in this gathering. Thank You for the new life You’ve given us. Please help us continue reflecting our hope in You tomorrow and for the rest of the year.
Oh, and thank You for this food! In Your wonderful name, Jesus, amen.
6. An Easter Prayer of Thankfulness for Jesus’ Sacrifice
Jesus, sometimes I talk about the cross in familiar words and still keep it at a distance, but today I’m asking You to help me really see it. You chose the cross for me, paid for my sin, and made a way for me to be forgiven and made new. I don’t want that to feel normal. It’s incredibly special. There’s nothing like Your sacrificial love.
Thank You that the resurrection means it worked, that nothing is left unpaid, and that I’m fully welcomed into new life with You. Let that truth humble me and grow gratitude in me that changes how I forgive, love, and live. In Your beautiful name, Jesus, amen.
Here are 3 reasons Jesus died on the cross.
7. An Easter Prayer for Kids and Their Grown-Ups
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You died for us and came back to life. Thank You that You are alive today and that You are always with us. Help us be kind, brave, and full of joy because You give us new life. We love You and we celebrate You today. In Your name, Jesus, amen.
Living With Hope
Easter doesn’t end when the service is over or Sunday’s leftovers are put away. It’s an invitation into a different way of living, all year long.
If one of these prayers stuck with you, come back to it again. Let it shape how you talk with God, how you care for and forgive others, and how you experience hope and renewal where you most need it.