By Diana Ytell of Ozark, Missouri, USA
I love the Lord because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Maundy Thursday
O God,
As we prepare to walk the journey to the cross with you, we bow before you again this day and express our gratitude for the generous gifts you provide for us daily. Help us to focus more clearly on your entry into Jerusalem and the events that unfolded during the last weeks of your earthly life.
We thank you for the plan you have for the salvation of your children We praise you for the gift of your great faithfulness; for the knowledge that the Holy Spirit surrounds us all our days as you walk with us through the sunshine of your love, through the shadow of death, and as we sleep and dream in the gentle darkness you have created.
We have heard the cries of your people (here at home, as well as around our world) as they struggle with the overwhelming sense of grief and the pain of losing loved ones, with the consequences of economic crises, the loss of hope and a sense of discouragement.
We thank you for your great mercy. You come to us in our brokenness and bring peace to our chaotic lives and hope to our doubting minds. You offer us forgiveness when we come to you with a contrite spirit and a broken heart. You embrace us in your arms of warmth and love, you feed us with the bread of your broken body, and you pour living water upon our weary souls.
We have laid our hearts open at the foot of your cross. Grant us a desire to be a people of peace, a gentle people, born anew from our deepest sorrow through your forgiveness and your great sacrifice.
You have refreshed our souls for we have stood in the presence of the Holy. Let your people hear your still small voice that comes above the chaos on the wings of prayer and calls us to be a people of peace.
You have raised our spirits to new life. Strengthen us and send us forth in a spirit of compassion to love and serve each other. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes…” (Revelation 21:4).
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.