Prayers and Reflections for Maundy Thursday: April 9, 2020
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer: [ Adapted from Gord Waldie ]
God is the light in our darkness. [ Light a candle]
As we gather for this meal, we light a flame to remind us of God’s presence,
to remind us that God is part of our circle, and part of our worship.
May the flickering light of this flame
sustain us as the story of our faith grows darker.
Let us pray:
God of life, open our hearts to your love.
Open our eyes to see the world around us as you see it.
Open our souls that we would be willing
to embrace the path of servanthood.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
who is our servant Lord. Amen.
Music for Singing or Listening:
Voices United # 593 Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love
Voices United # 948 O Lord, Hear My Prayer
Voices United # 130 An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare
Scripture Readings:
Hand-washing Prayer: [ from Rabbi Joseph Meszler ]
Wash your hands, and as you do, say this prayer:
As I take up my hands to wash them and reassure my heart,
I pray for healing and wholeness for the whole world.
I remember that every life is unique and of infinite value:
from those living on the most remote part of the globe
to those in our cities, to our neighbors and family members.
Let me use my hands for good to help bring love
and compassion to others.
“Let us lift up our hearts and hands to the Eternal.” (Lam 3:41)
Poem:
Holy Thursday: Blessing You Cannot Turn Back
Meal:
As you eat your meal, do so remembering your friends, your family, and your
community of faith. Do so knowing that while we may physically be apart, we are
connected to one another through our love and service.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession: [ Adapted from www.pcusa.org ]
Loving, listening God, ever-attentive to the voices of those in need,
we call on your name: Holy God,
hear our prayers.
For the church that bears Christ’s name, that the world may know we are his
disciples by the love that we have for one another. Holy God,
hear our prayers.
For leaders of nations and all persons in positions of authority,
that their lives may be marked by Christ-like service and love. Holy God,
hear our prayers.
For all who are oppressed and living in captivity,
that they may escape from evil and death
to find the land of freedom you have promised. Holy God,
hear our prayers.
For those who are hungry and thirsty this day and for those who have too much,
that we may learn to share your generous gifts, Holy God,
hear our prayers.
For those who are dealing with loss or facing death,
that the presence of Christ may bless and keep them. Holy God,
hear our prayers.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Words only, Voices United # 921
Sung Version, Voices United # 959 The Lord's Prayer by David Haas
Closing
While we extinguish this candle,
we affirm that the light of Christ can never be put out.
May God’s love and grace be with us all.
Amen.