Devotions for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week

During Holy Week you are encouraged to set aside time to meditate on Jesus’s final days before his passion, death on the cross, and glorious resurrection.  These last days — Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter — are known as the Great Three Days.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

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 with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

READINGS:  Isaiah 42:1-9 God’s servant is endowed with the Spirit in order to bring light and justice to the nations.  Psalm 36:5-11 “All people take refuge under the shadow of your wings” (v. 7).  Hebrews 9:11-15 Through the blood of Christ rather than an animal sacrifice we are liberated from our sins and promised eternal life.  John 12:1-11 Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with costly perfume, a foreshadowing of his death and burial.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

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 nor deny you in the hour of trial, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

READINGS:  Isaiah 49:1-7 The servant brings the good news of Gods victory to the ends of the earth.  Psalm 71:1-14 “From my mother’s womb you have been my strength” (v. 6).  1 Corinthians 1:18-31 The cross reveals God’s true wisdom, power, and source of true life.  John 12:20-36 Knowing that his hour has come, Jesus announces that his death will be an exaltation.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

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 with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

READINGS:  Isaiah 50:4-9a The servant expresses absolute confidence in his final vindication, despite being abused.  Psalm 70 “Be pleased, O God, to deliver me” (v. 1).  Hebrews 12:1-3 By way of the cross Jesus has blazed a trail for our salvation.  With faithful perseverance, we follow in his footsteps.  John 13:21-32 At the last supper, Jesus identifies Judas Iscariot as the one who will betray him and sends him on his way.