What is Holy Week?
We have made it to Holy Week in the Lenten season—one of the most important liturgical times in the Christian faith. Each day is one day closer to the cross, and then, the resurrection. Throughout this week, we will celebrate Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. We can use this time to reflect on the gravity of Jesus’s walk to the cross. Take time today to pray this prayer with us as we enter into Holy Week.
A Prayer
Lord,
You are holy.
You are glorious.
You are God.
This week, I recall what You have done for me.
I take this moment to look and remember.
I picture the colt You rode through the streets of Jerusalem
with people lined up, watching expectantly.
Raising their branches and saying “Hosanna!”
A prophecy fulfilled.
I praise You for being the Holy Son of David.
The One who has come for us.
I can imagine You sitting at the table.
The night of Your betrayal, among Your disciples.
“This is my body.”
“This is my blood.”
The gravity of these promises, the disciples do not yet understand.
We come to the table, thanking You for the bread and the cup.
A sacrifice we also cannot fully comprehend.
I dwell on You in the garden.
Drops of blood an sweat falling down Your face.
“Not as I will, but as You will.”
Uttering these prayers to the Father, moments before the betrayer enters.
Your spirit is deeply grieved for what is about to come.
I thank You for standing face to face with Your betrayer.
One who was Your friend and pupil.
One who sold You for pieces of silver.
I praise You for standing in front of mockers
and for the lashes You took on my behalf.
I cannot fathom the pain You experienced
when they beat You, ridiculed You, and profaned Your name.
My heart breaks envisioning the nails they put in Your hands.
and mourns the sin of mine that You carried
on the wretched cross.
Saturday came and silence reigned.
The whole earth mourned the death of its Glorious King.
Sunday came with a celebration.
Death couldn't reign; it has no power over You.
I praise You, Jesus.
The Worthy Lamb who bore my sin and my shame.
I thank You for the sacrifice You made so I can be in communion with You.
My Savior and my King.
Help me to ponder these things and treasure them in my heart.
Amen.
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