April is also spring in the Northern Hemisphere: new leaves, longer days, Easter lilies. The prayers below follow the month from Lent’s last days through the Easter season.
Historical Context
Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday after Easter, was established by Pope John Paul II in 2000. He died in 2005 on its vigil, on 2 April.
A Prayer for April
Lord Jesus, this month the earth comes back to life,
and we remember that you did too.
Thank you for giving yourself to us in the Eucharist.
Let me receive you this month with more love and attention,
and let your risen life grow in me like spring.
Amen.
Before Communion
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
These are the words said at every Mass just before Communion. They come from a Roman centurion in the Gospel, who asked Jesus to heal his servant from a distance.
An Easter Season Prayer
Christ is risen! He is truly risen.
Lord, let me live this Easter season like it’s true:
less afraid, more joyful, quicker to forgive.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 1 April, to begin the month.
- Before and after Communion throughout April.
- During Holy Week and the Easter Octave.
- At Eucharistic adoration.
Scripture Connection
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever.” — John 6:51
April’s devotion and its season meet in this verse: the bread of life, and life that doesn’t end. Easter is the proof of the promise.
Related prayers
For the Eucharist, see the Sacrament Prayer and the Easter Communion Prayer. For Holy Week, the Holy Thursday Prayer and the He Has Risen Prayer.