Worship resources for Holy Week
Monday, April 6th
Today’s Gospel Reading commemorates the anointing of Jesus by Mary, a foreshadowing of his death and burial. Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant who is a light for the nations and who faithfully brings forth justice. Jesus’ suffering is the path to resurrection and new life.
Readings
Isaiah 42: 1-9
Psalm 36: 5-11
Hebrews 9: 11-15
John 12: 1-11
Prayer of the Day
O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sing, My Tongue (Fortunatus, 530-609)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle, tell the triumph far and wide;
Tell aloud the wondrous story of the cross, the Crucified;
Tell how Christ, the world’s redeemer, vanquished death the day he died.
God in mercy saw us fallen, sunk in shame and misery,
Felled to death in Eden’s garden, where in pride we claimed the tree;
Then another tree was chosen, which the world from death would free.
Suggested Hymn for Listening
In the Cross of Christ I Glory (Text: John Bowring; Music: Ithamar Conkey)
Tuesday, April 7th
Paul proclaims Christ crucified as the wisdom and power of God. Jesus speaks of the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies in order that it may bear fruit. We die with Christ in baptism that we may be raised with him to new life.
Readings
Isaiah 49: 1-7
Psalm 71: 1-14
1 Corinthians 1: 18-31
John 12: 20-36
Prayer of the Day
Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you. Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in the time of trial, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sing, My Tongue (Fortunatus, 530-609)
Tell how, when at length the fullness of the appointed time was come,
Christ, the Word, was born of woman, left for us the heavenly home,
Blazed the path of true obedience, shone as light amidst the gloom.
Thirty years among us dwelling, Jesus went from Nazareth,
Destined, dedicated, willing, did his work and met his death,
Like a lamb he humbly yielded on the cross his dying breath.
Suggested Hymn for Listening
O Jesus, I Have Promised (Text: John E. Bode; Tune: Munich)
Wednesday, April 8th
As Jesus endured the suffering of the cross, we are called to run the race of life with perseverance, confident of the joy to come. We journey with Christ from darkness to light, from captivity to freedom, from death to life.
Readings
Isaiah 50: 4-9a
Psalm 70
Hebrews 12: 1-3
John 13: 21-32
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, your Son our Savior suffered at human hands and endured the shame of the cross. Grant that we may walk in the way of his cross and find it the way of life and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sing, My Tongue (Fortunatus, 530-609)
Bend your boughs, O tree of glory, your relaxing sinews bend;
For a while the ancient rigor that your birth bestowed, suspend;
And the Lord of heavenly beauty gently on your arms extend.
Faithful cross, true sign of triumph, be for all the noblest tree;
None in foliage, none in blossom, none in fruit your equal be;
Symbol of the world’s redemption, for your burden makes us free.
Suggested Hymn for Listening
Lamb of God (Twila Paris)
Thursday, April 9th – Maundy Thursday
Our Holy Week worship continues today with a Maundy Thursday Reflections. Here is the link to view the recording:
(A printed version of today’s message is not available.)
Be Well and of Good Cheer
Pastor Jim
Friday, April 10th – Good Friday
I hope you have been traveling along with us as we “Journey to Easter,” using the worship materials sent out this week. Here is our printed order of service for today, Good Friday, along with a link to the recording of the service
April 10th – Good Friday – worship bulletin
April 10th – Good Friday – service recording
Blessings to you all as we look with renewed hope to the Day of the Resurrection of Our Lord.
Be Well and of Good Cheer
Pastor Jim
