Father you gave us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament.
At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness.
Through the waters of the Red Sea you lead Israel out of slavery to be an image of God's holy people, set free from sin by baptism. Your son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross.
After his resurrection he told his disciples: " Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Father look now with love upon your Church and unseal for it the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit.
(Here, if this can be done conveniently, the celebrant before continuing lowers the Easter candle into the water once or three times, then holds it there until the acclamation at the end of the blessing.)
We ask you Father, with your Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the waters of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with you to newness of life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.