8 Prayers For Holy Week

The week leading up to the arrest, torture and crucifixion of Jesus goes by a couple different names, like Passion Week or Holy Week. It all leads to the glorious conclusion with His resurrection on that Sunday morning so many years ago. His victory over our sin, and death itself, is our reminder of His great grace and love for us who were dead in our sin, but have been called to new life in Him.

Walking through the events of this week has been a part of Christian practice from the beginning of the church, and our celebration of His great work in this week is what we gather to celebrate every Sunday throughout the year. This is the Gospel being played out, that sinners who needed a savior were loved by Him, and brought into hope, and new life. We cannot pay Him back. We did not deserve this gift, but a gift it is, and lovingly given. Holy Week is the reminder of the giving, and the heart of the Great Giver behind it all, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Lord Jesus, there are days when it is so easy to praise Your Name. You are always worthy of worship, worthy of adoration. Strengthen me in the days when it’s more complicated because I always want to lift up Your Name in praise! You alone are worthy of all glory and honor and praise! Amen.

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!”

- Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:9)

Jesus, we both know there are parts of my life that I’m not proud of, and where You see, I’ve gotten off course. Please cleanse me so I can stand. Clear the corners of my heart and help me see Your desire for my life more clearly. May Your compassion for the lost fill me. Amen.

He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”

- Monday – Cleanses Temple/Weeps over Jerusalem (Matthew 21:13)

Father, as you spoke to the disciples, the religious leaders, and the people of Jerusalem through Jesus, please speak plainly to me so I might learn from You. Help me see where I am in error. Guide me in Your truth. May the words of life that spring from You fill my heart and mind today. Amen.

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

- Tuesday – Final Teachings (Matthew 22: 37-38)

Father, as my heart draws near to you, I am in awe of Your love over me. Even though I was dead in my sin, You called out to me and drew me to live in You. Please strengthen me to dwell within Your will, Your way, and Your love. May Your love pour out through me, even as I find my home and hope in You. Amen.

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.

- Wednesday – High Priestly Prayer (John 17:20)

Jesus, as I think about what You went through the night You were betrayed, I remember it began with a meal with friends, prayer, and singing. Then when You made it to the garden, things changed. First, you sweat drops of blood, and anguish filled Your heart. Then, a mob came for You, a friend betrayed You, and another denied even knowing You. Lord, help me keep my eyes on You in my own times of trouble. Strengthen me to be loyal and faithful to You. You alone have the Words of life. Amen.

So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up.

- Thursday – Last Supper, Garden Prayers & Arrest (John 18:20)

Jesus, I know nothing good happened to You on this day all those years ago. But it was Your punishment that bought my peace. It is by Your wounds that my healing comes. I deserved the wrath that You carried, but Your love for me won the day. So, I praise Your name on this Good Friday. I recognize my poverty due to my sin and how You richly blessed all You call into salvation through Your sacrificial love. Thank You. I praise Your holy name. Amen.

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

- Good Friday (John 19:30)

Father, when hardship comes, I often retreat into myself, into isolation, and away from the truth of Your love. Yet, you are present with me as I wait, my refuge and hiding place. Even when I walk through the darkest valleys of life, You are there, strengthening, encouraging, and guiding me. Give me strength in the face of fear, courage in the presence of doubt. Call me to rest in You. Amen.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

- Saturday Vigils (Psalm 23:4)

Lord, even as Mary and the other women were preparing Your body for burial, they had no idea how glorious Your bodily resurrection would be. As You met with Mary in the garden early that morning, she caught that first understanding of the fullness of the Gospel. You have risen! You have risen indeed! The Firstborn of all creation, Sovereign over all, I praise Your holy name, Jesus, and celebrate Your empty tomb! May the glory of that first resurrection morning fill my life every day. Amen!

As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!

- Resurrection Sunday – Prayer of Preparation & Celebration (John 20:27)

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