Easter is a special time of year for Christians, as it commemorates the seven-day period between Good Friday and Easter Monday (also called "Holy Week"). These days include:

• Palm Sunday (or "Passion Sunday"): Marks the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a Donkey. The "palm" in Palm Sunday refers to the palm fronds Jerusalem's people waved at Jesus as he entered the city. 
• The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday following Palm Sunday: Mark several key events that led to Jesus' crucifixion (including Jewish leaders questioning Jesus and Judas taking a bribe to betray Jesus).
• Maundy Thursday (or "Holy Thursday"): Marks Jesus' last day of freedom before His arrest and execution. Maundy Thursday is also the day Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and attended the Last Supper.  
• Good Friday: Marks the day Jesus was arrested, betrayed by Judas, crucified, and entombed. Though we don't know for sure, Jesus' crucifixion likely occurred in either AD 30 or AD 33.
• Holy Saturday: Marks the day Jesus' followers mourned His death.
• Easter Sunday (or "Resurrection day"): Marks the day Jesus rose from the dead. Easter Sunday is also the last day of Lent. 

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Though we speak about Easter Friday and Easter Sunday the most, the entire Easter period is an important reminder for all Christians. We celebrate it for many reasons, including:

• To give thanks to Jesus for His sacrifice
• To atone for our sins in the past year
• To remember our identifies as God's children
• To cultivate gratitude for our lives
• To praise God for sacrificing His only son for us

Bible verses about Easter

As many countries observe public holidays around Easter, many Christians take the opportunity to step back from work and school during Holy Week and reflect by reading the Bible. 

If you're looking for scripture to reflect on this Easter, you could revisit:

• The Last Supper: As told in Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-25, and Luke 22:7-23
• The story of Judas betraying Jesus: As told in John 18:1-13, Luke 22:1-6, Luke 22:47-54, Matthew 26:47-56, and Mark 14:43-50
• Jesus' crucifixion: As told in Matthew 27:1-54, Mark 15:1-40, Luke 23:1-48, and John 19:1-3

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You might also want to revisit the Stations of the Cross. Many Christians find that the Stations of the Cross help them develop a deeper understanding of Jesus' trials.

And, of course, you'll want to reflect on the "he is risen" verses on Easter Sunday. 

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"He is risen" Bible verses

The "he is risen" Bible verses describe the moment that Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" (who was likely Jesus' mother's sister) discovered that Jesus had risen from the dead.

In the verses, the two Marys attend Jesus' empty tomb (or "sepulcher") and discover an angel of God. The angel tells the women that Jesus has risen from the dead, announcing that "he is risen." The angel then commands the two Marys to go and inform the disciples. 

Although many Bible verses mention Jesus' resurrection, three of the most famous verses that describe this moment include:

• Matthew 28:6: "He is not here, for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
• Luke 24:6-7: "He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again."

Mark 16:5-7:"And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were frightened. And He said unto them, ‘Be not afraid. Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He isn't here. Behold, the place where they laid Him. But go your way. Tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee. There shall ye see Him, as He said unto you.’"

Of course, Easter isn't just a time for reflection — it's a time for prayer, too. To help you pray, we'll share five Easter prayers in this section. 

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Short Easter prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for watching over us in your eternal life. Let us remember you over this Easter period for the trials you endured on Earth many years ago. 

Thank you, Jesus and Lord God, and Alleluia!

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Prayer of gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice

Let us take a second to remember and honor the Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ. Let us say "thank you" for His sacrifice on the cross and the pain he endured in our names. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

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Good Friday prayer 

Holy Spirit, this Good Friday marks a dark day for your son Jesus Christ and humanity as a whole. But while we weep today, Lord, we are also grateful for our Jesus, our brightest light.

On this dark day many years ago, Jesus interceded for us. He saved us and renewed us so that we may glorify you today. 

Let us mark His sacrifice with this prayer, and let us not forget the gravity of His gift. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Resurrection prayer

Dear God, we thank you for the resurrection of your son. Thank you for granting Him new life, just as you grant us life every day. He's risen, almighty God, and thus, we rise to you every day. 

Let us reflect on these three lines from St. Hippolytus of Rome's Easter Prayer: "Christ is risen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers, glory, and power are His forever and ever."

Dear Lord, may Christ have everlasting life with you in heaven. Amen.

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Easter Dinner blessing 

Heavenly Father, we came together today to celebrate Easter Sunday. In front of us sits a great feast, but we want to take a second to thank you with an Easter dinner prayer. This Easter day, we have reflected on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our redeemer, our Lord of life, our living God, and our Savior. 

Together, we raise our hands and say "thank you" to Him and "thank you" to you. In your holy name, Amen."

While you shouldn't feel guilty about celebrating Easter with chocolate eggs and a hearty family meal, make sure you take some time on Easter morning to thank Jesus for His sacrifice. 

Jesus gave His life for all of God's children, and His sacrifice is the reason we enjoy the peace, loved ones, and lives we have today.

To learn more about Jesus' life and sacrifice, listen to our "Bedtime Bible: Jesus" series. Or, for an Easter message, listen to Greg Laurie's "Easter Sunday Message — Easter Is for Everyone: A Timeless Message of Hope."

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If you'd like to listen to our other content, you can download our app from the iOS app store or the Google Play store. 

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