Holy Week Guide: Resources for Maundy Thursday 4/9/20

​** Check out our "Holy Week Guide"  at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. **

Holy Week Guide

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Set aside time to observe your devotional reflection over a meal to celebrate and remember the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples. You Will Need: 

1. Basin, pitcher of water, and towel for cleansing feet. If you will be practicing this alone, you may wish to have something available for washing of hands.
2. A meal to share with others. If you are unable to share a meal face-to-face with others, try to arrange a time to share conversation over the phone or a video chat. The point is less about the food and more about taking time to connect with others in relationship. For additional fun, you can try blending this celebration with the Jewish Seder tradition. For instructions on how to combine elements from Threefold Communion with Seder, check out this guide.
3. Bread and cup. You will want some form of flat grain and drink to represent the bread and cup shared at the last supper. Again, the point is less about the actual content of the items and more about what they represent and with whom you share them. 

THREEFOLD COMMUNION

A table has been prepared in the presence of his enemies;
It is Christ who invites us to meet him here.
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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be forever. Amen.

CONFESS

Read 1 John 1:9. Practice confession practice the art of confession. 

I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have sinned through my own fault,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do;
and I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. 

Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ’s forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: 

LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you.

FEETWASHING

Read John 13:1-17. Following the example of Jesus, take turns washing each other’s feet.

Let someone lead out by kneeling to rinse the feet of another by pouring water from a pitcher over their feet and into a basin, gently massaging away any dirt or fuzz. Once their feet are cleansed, dry with a towel, they may rise and speak a word of encouragement or prayer. Let the example continue on with the first washee becoming the washer until all have been washed.

​If you are participating on your own, you may want to take time to wash your own hands and reflect upon the gift of Christ’s forgiveness and cleansing. 

LOVE FEAST

Read Luke 22:7-16. Share a meal with others. If dining alone, call a friend or family member to share about your day. As you share your meal, take time to share words of thanksgiving and concern for one another. Some prompts you may use include:
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What are you thankful for today?
Where have you seen God moving this week?
How do you see Jesus reflected in the lives of those around the table? 

EUCHARIST (BREAD & CUP)

Read Luke 22:17-20. Jesus took some of the most common elements at the table—bread and wine—and gave them wholly new meaning. As you share the bread and cup in whatever form you are able, take this moment to remember Jesus’ body and blood given for our forgiveness.

Blessing the Bread, say together:
This bread which we break is the communion of the Body of Christ.

Blessing the Cup, say together:
​This cup of blessing we bless is the communion of the Blood of Christ.

PRAY

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

LORD, for this gift and more, we are truly grateful. Amen.

SING

Jesus and the disciples ended their meal by sharing a hymn and departing in quiet (Mk 14:26). Sing or recite the following together as you close:

Blessed be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love:
The fellowship of kindred minds, is like to that above.

SONG FOR REFLECTION

It is debated whether the meal Jesus shared with his disciples was the Passover meal itself or merely a dinner in preparation for that special feast. Yet the connection between the deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt and Jesus' death for our salvation is undeniable. As you listen and reflect on the song below, contemplate the value and cost of the sacrifice Jesus gave for our deliverance.

HEART VERSE

​Memorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.

"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
- Matthew 10:38