Prayer: Holy Week

Lord, thank You for this holy week. It is a time for reverence and remembrance. This week we remember the most defining events of human history and what You did for us. Too many times through life I have spiritually breezed through this week, never really stopping to savor the goodness of each day and what it meant for Your son during his final moments here on earth. From his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his greatest act of obedience and love on Good Friday, Your son demonstrated in one week what no other man, spiritual leader, or ruler ever could. It is in this week that he revealed the truth about who You are and Your intentions for us sinful beings.

It was during this week that he cursed the fruitless fig tree and thus proved that apart from him there is no life, no holiness, nor man made right with God. Though the appearance of righteousness is valued by others, the status of one’s heart reveals the fruit of their belief. Genuine faith in Christ alone is what bears fruit within us. It was during this week that the scribes and Pharisees attempted to catch him in his words in order to bring charges against him. With none to be found their frustrations turned to hatred and they sought to do away with the one who challenged their authority, all the while failing to see the one who holds all authority in Heaven and on Earth. It was during this week that Jesus taught the people about the kingdom of God and it's coming. Using parables he warned us all to stay alert, be wise and discerning, and to make best use of our time while we wait for his glorious return.

It was during this week that he was anointed with expensive perfume by a woman with great faith. Through this act of love, she showed that Christ was of greater value than anything, including the flask of oil that could have been sold for nearly a year's wages. Jesus said in doing so, she prepared his body for burial and that anywhere the gospel was preached her acts would be remembered.

It was during this week that Jesus shared in the Last Supper with his disciples, the ones who had been with him from the beginning of his ministry. These men witnessed miracles, heard the most divine teachings, and had fellowship with the creator of all things. They loved him, mourned with him, and experienced joyfulness all while learning to be more like him. Yet, one would still betray him. Thank you for the reminder that physical proximity to Christ and becoming like him are very different things.

It was during this week he prayed for another way to accomplish Your will, so much so that the veins in his forehead burst and dripped blood to the ground while he knelt before You. That same blood would wash your elect and mark them with imputed righteousness for eternity. Though he sought another way, he obediently carried out Your plan with willingness.

It was during this week that he was arrested, relentlessly questioned, slandered, beaten, and even denied by his closest friends. The ones who felt threatened by him the most were the ones who advocated for his death. Publicly shamed and cast out, they nailed him to a cross. Every second held up by the sins of the world until he willingly yielded his spirit. The earth responded, the tombs opened, and hearts were changed forever.

It was during this week they laid his body in a borrowed tomb with barely enough time to properly do so. Thank You that it was only borrowed. He told us that the third day would bring great wonders and rejoicing. A new week would bring new joy and an everlasting one! Thank You for the Resurrection! It is the basis of our faith. It is what we continue to hope for in ourselves. Yes Lord, Sunday is coming and with it all the world is extended grace through Jesus. As we look forward to celebrating on Sunday, let us not breeze through the days of this Holy week.

Thank You for what it means for our redemption, our new purpose, and our lives today. Though we are the great beneficiaries of the events that took place in this week, remind us that ultimately this week is about You and Your greatness. Displayed in full glory through Your son and our good savior. Thank You for Your love, thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for Jesus and the works He accomplished during this holy week. We love you Lord! We await Your return with eagerness.

Amen.