A Prayer for Holy Week

 

Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Pax Pres, and to all people,

Please join me in prayer in this week known across the church as “Holy Week,” as we consider Jesus’ final week that culminated in the best news ever!

Humbly in Christ,
Pastor Matt

Almighty God, shape our lives around the many truths and events of Holy Week. As we remember Palm Sunday and your triumphal entry, humble us again under your kingly rule. Remind us that the “crown” belongs on your head, not on ours. Inspire in us the same kind of genuine praise that the crowds offered: we call out to you to “rescue us!” Hosanna! Lord, even for the quieter ones among us, stir up in us a joyous voice of praise - for if we don’t cry out, the rocks will!

Almighty God, as we consider the early part of Jesus’ week in Jerusalem, we’re reminded of his sobering words of judgment and woe to come on those who reject him. We confess how often that is us - both individually and as a community and society. As you cleared that Temple, Jesus, we remember that as disciples, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Our gathered church community is a temple of the Holy Spirit as well. Clear out of us the specific habits, attitudes, and thoughts that are an offense to your love, grace, and holiness. Where we have treated the poor and oppressed with disdain and selfishness, forgive us and fill us with new habits of sacrificial love toward them. Teach us your definitions - not the world’s definitions - of justice, righteousness, and generosity. And then help us live those out with radical and fearless courage. We pray this for ourselves - our personal “temples” of Your Spirit - and for our gathered church. Too often we are just as bad as those moneychangers in Jerusalem: Lord, cleanse us and rebuild us as a house of prayer for all the nations.

Almighty God, as we approach your Last Supper and Maundy Thursday, shape our lives around the truths of that day as well. Who are we, God, that you would choose to dine with us even in our sin? Who are we, Lord of all creation, that you would stoop down and wash our feet? Who are we, Lord, that you would offer not just the bread and cup, but your very body and blood, to be given in our place and to establish a new, eternal covenant with us? Who are we, Lord, that you now call us “friends”? Father, reshape our hearts with the sheer grace of your words and deeds around that final meal. Fill us with equal parts humility and joy. That night, you called us to a greater love - a love that is willing to die for one another. We can only love like that because you first loved us like that. Reshape the way we love to look more like the way you love, Jesus.

Almighty God, as we consider your final night and day on earth, keep us aware and alert in prayer. Our spirits are willing, but our bodies are weak. When we see and hear others who wish to do harm or offense to your name, give us courage not to desert you but to humbly, confidently remain faithful to you. We are just like those first disciples, who, left to our own devices, cannot do this. Though we are faithless, you alone are faithful. So grant us the gifts of courage and faith to stand strong in the name of Christ no matter what may come.

Jesus, for the joy set before you, you suffered the cross in our place. Shape our minds, hearts, and actions around what you did in our place. You died a death only we deserved - to grant us, by faith in you - a life that only you can offer. The great reversal, God!! Amazing. We like to think we don’t mock or scorn you, God; but in ways big and small, we do. Forgive us, Father, for we know not what we do.

Almighty God, reshape us around the deep, heavy waiting of Holy Saturday. We confess that we hate waiting. We struggle with silence when we have no idea how long it might last. Spirit, help us sit in the waiting. Help us sit, trusting you, in the silence and in the unknown.

And lastly, triumphantly, joyfully, God: reshape our hearts around the great news of Easter! Where we are uncertain, anxious, depressed, fearful, unwell, discontent, and more, fill us with joy everlasting. Not with fleeting happiness or pleasure - in your common grace, we can get that pretty much anywhere we want. Lord, we need to be filled anew with your everlasting joy. This Easter season, restore to us the joy of your salvation and uphold us with a willing spirit. 

Lord, shape our daily obedience and trust in you around each and every profound truth and event of Holy Week. Surely that kind of transforming work takes a lifetime in each of us - so God, continue the good work you’ve begun in us and bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. Amen.

(painting by Wayne Pascall)