It is also a way of disciplining yourself, strengthening your "spiritual muscles" so to speak so that when temptations arise in life, you are already used to saying "no" to your desires. I hope youre helped by at least one or two of them. A Litany of Gratitude. As the appointed time draws near for entering into Jesus death, we might do well to ask Him how we can console His Heart every day from this point onward. Be near to us, and save usSo that we may praise you for your deliverance. We can wait for God with courage and fidelity, regardless of how long He asks us to hold off on taking action. It seems fitting that we should, in some way, celebrate Lent all year long. Lent Reflections. Almighty Father, who sent your only Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sin, show me how I can honor you and bring glory to your name, by walking in the way of Jesus. Strengthen us against the temptations of the devil, and remove from us all lust and every unrighteousness, and shield us against our foes, seen and unseen. Be with family. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Salem Media Group. Holy Week & Easter Below are daily prayers, reflections and books you may find helpful as you seek to make the most out of this Lenten season. The gospel writers record these events in Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23. He is risen! How can weakness be strength? Prayers for Lent to Focus on Grace and Mercy This Lenten Season, The Serenity Prayer: Bible Meaning and Use Today, Top 5 Daily Prayer Devotionals to Guide Your Faith Each Day. the site. some or all of these services may not function properly. I wonder what comes next and I fail to recall your great faithfulness. Your plan of salvation is beautiful, and we rejoice that Youve made a way for us to be in a relationship with You and to live with You forever. John 18:1-40, John 19:1-42; Isaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53:1-12; Hebrews 10:16-25; Psa 22. Lord, I love you with all my heart You can also use the Hallow app and pray the Stations of the Cross at home. You promised salvation through the Messiah and today we remember that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of our promised Redeemer. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.. I pray that Your love is the underlying motivation of our actions and our goals set out during our meetings. Home. Holy Week is a solemn week of extra prayer and fasting. Matthew 26:6-13 describes a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany. Almighty God, look on the humble desires of your servants. In the stillness, may we sense Your presence and know You are near. We humble ourselves and recommit our lives to Jesus and to proclaiming His kingdom come to our generation and the next. Hallelujah! That they can be home based. We acknowledge our need for salvation from our sins and rejoice that Jesus is our Deliverer. What is Maundy Thursday?What Is Good Friday? Holy Week reflections download all five, Easter Week reflections download all five. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. These cookies do not store any personal information. Yet your word says that Jesus, being God,Took on human fleshAnd suffered the worst kind of death.How can this be? Romans 12:2 Heavenly Father, I pray that as we gather for a divine purpose, we do not be conformed to this world. O Christ, Son of God, for our sake you fasted forty days and allowed yourself to be tempted. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. For Patients & Families. Amen. Unlock the Stations of the Cross, Examen-Style, http://www.loyolapress.com/authors/vinita-hampton-wright, Small Simple Ways: An Ignatian Daybook for Healthy Spiritual Living, A Lenten Journey Through the Stations of the Cross: A Webinar with Gary Jansen, Reimagining the Ignatian Examen Flip Book: Praise, Reverence, Service. They do not store directly Amen. Enter your info below so I know to send you the download. 3 Ways Satan Is Deceiving Today's Culture, 4 Reasons Christian Singles Are Tired of the Dating Scene, How You Can Have Eternal Life Through the Cross of Jesus Christ, A Powerful Morning Prayer to Start Each Day, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. performance. Reflections for Monday of Holy Week. Easter Day, April 9, 2023, is a joyful observance and proclamation that Christ is risen. We may be fortunate to have an employer who gives us Good Friday as a day off. Amen. Thank You, the prayers are great, very relaxing, If you do not In Jesus name, we pray and rejoice! Im soul-weary after months of winter and darkness and stress. On Saturday, Jesus body lay in the tomb. Make us people whose word can be trusted and who are faithful, in love, to You, to our families, and to our neighbors. III Project; Get the Ultimate Introduction to Philosophy. Blessed Holy Week! You are merciful and full of grace. We are awed and full of love. He was laid in the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea. Jesus was born so that He would die for us. Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Church's liturgical calendar, entirely focused on Jesus' Passion, death, and resurrection. The many readings of Scripture surrounding the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ give us a lot of material for reflection and prayer. Proud member This week especially, we can use our time meditating on Jesus Passion for growing in patience and anticipating the joy of resurrection with hope that lingers while suffering. In you I place my trust, so that I may have hope. Thank you Vinita, for giving me ways to keep this week holy while being locked in to a busy tour group itinerary. Lord God, heavenly Father, you know that we are set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection, to support us in all danger, and carry us through all temptations; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Friday, March 3, 2023. Its not that Ive got any spectacular vacation plans. Following are a selection of podcasts, articles, and reflection questions to help guide your prayer during Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum: PALM SUNDAY. We ask that you would trade the ashes of our lives for the beauty of your Presence. We can attend these meetings and give away all that we have, but without love we have not gained anything. The 7-Day Journey to the Cross devotional is a daily focus on Scripture and prayer to help you draw nearer to Jesus and experience the fullness of his great love for you through his final week. I pray that each of us in this meeting do this, because in doing so, we will make our way prosperous, and then we will have good success. Some observers gawked, some respectfully gave way, some jeered. If you do not allow to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites. catholicsstrivingforholiness 2 years ago HOLY MONDAY READINGS AND REFLECTION: THE DAY AFTER JESUS' TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM. Prayers like the Hail Mary and Our Father are always acceptable during Lent (and outside of it). Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Amen. Its an incredibly humbling privilege and honor to bear a child in your womb, especially when you know that it is truly God who ordained this little soul to be formed from a tiny seed. Here are some easy prayers you can say to feel connected to God during Lent this year: Hallow offers Minute Meditationsshort, simple prayers that can help build your Lenten prayer habit in just a few minutes each day. Lord God,The message of the cross is difficult to take.How can death give way to life? Remind us today to pray without ceasing. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Let's step forward together and learn practical ways to live into God's possible! usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting Give us the grace to endure our troubles,And reveal to us the glory of your kingdom,Through your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for peace in our times. Teach me how to love and serve others with a gracious and humble heart. Luke 14:28 Eternal Savior, I pray that we all truly reflect on our intentions during our meetings. We may back away, and we may even turn to the world instead of . Joseph Tetlow, SJ, responds to the question, What are the typical graces, I was 3 years old when my father taught me my first Bible versein the King James version. Why do we look for easier paths to follow? Source: Gregorian Sacramentary, 8th Century, Historic Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Powerful Lent Bible Verses: Scriptures to Encourage Your Lenten Fast, Featured Prayers: Lent - acollectionofprayers.com. A prayer for peace during COVID-19. Holy week prayer is a practice Christians find helpful to focus our thoughts and prepare our hearts during the time we mark the most pivotal events of our faith. May the words we speak, the actions we take, and the inner workings of our hearts bring You joy. But only as a seed dies when it is planted in the earth,Not to decay, but to spring to new life.Teach us to take refuge in you when we are afraidTeach us that death is not our end. Amen. Evening: Father God, as our day ends, we recall the cross and the obedience Jesus demonstrated at Calvary. Lent is a time of spiritual renewal and a time to prepare ourselves for Easter Sunday. Thank you for acknowledging those of us at work or on a busy schedule that does not allow us space to reflect and pray more deeply this holiest of weeks. You are at work even when we dont see you. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. Holy Saturday is the second day of the Divine Mercy Novena, Rosary Glorious Mysteries (with Scripture), Novena in preparation for Divine Mercy Sunday, Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday (2022), Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday (2021), Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday (2020), Reflection for the Ascension of the Lord (2021), Reflection for the Ascension of the Lord (2020). We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ! Sometimes the way has seemed too dark. Amen. He was mistreated, beaten, flogged, and eventually crucified in our place. Help me to see your presence in all things, even in those things that are most troubling to me. We celebrate Him today as King and ask that His Kingdom come in our lives, too. No one ever becomes an expert in prayer, but . In Jesus name, Amen. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Morning: Father God, as the woman in Bethany anointed Jesus with perfume, so we demonstrate our devotion through praise today. Lent is a time of reflection and renewed faith as we focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You have entered an incorrect email address! How very reminiscent of the gospel telling of Jesus carrying his cross. Jesus would die for the nationand not for this nation only, but to gather into one all the dispersed children of God. As we prepare to celebrate His resurrection, we are reminded that our forgiveness was bought with a price. Yet in these dark moments, I start to question and doubt. Bishop Robert Barron. Matthew 7:4 Heavenly Father, I pray that You create in us a clean heart and renew the right spirit within us. iBelieve.com User . O Lord, mercifully hear our prayer and stretch forth the right hand of your majesty to defend us from all enemies that rise up against us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. We are like living stones being built up as a spiritual house. Morning:Father God, we rejoice! The end of all things is near. Traditionally, Holy week begins each year with a celebration of Palm Sunday. Create a clean heart in me, O God: a humble heart, a meek heart, a peaceful heart, a benevolent heart, a devout heart which does evil to no one, which does not repay evil for evil, but overcomes evil with good, which loves you above all things, thinks always about you, speaks about you, gives you thanks, delights in hymns and spiritual songs, and has its citizenship in heaven. PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY. At Easter, the Son of God took on the worlds sin and defeated the devil, death, and the grave. Short words of meditation then lead into a shared prayer, recited by all. Lent is rooted in Jesus time in the desert when he prayed and fasted for 40 days and overcame the Devils temptation. May our Risen Lord continue to inspire each of us. 10 Holy Week activities to make yourEaster more joyful. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? Jesus conquered sin and death and rose to life eternal. Amen. . In Jesus name, we pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:7-8 NIV). Yet, you only desired good things for us. Many churches will hold a special service for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. The 7 Sorrows Rosary is also common during this time. A Blessing for Nurses. Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A Mass prayers and readings. We must also take this as an opportunity to reflect with God about ourselves. Your love never ceases, your mercies never end. Thank you that you are with us in whatever we face and that you are greater than this trial. 4 You said, Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. We choose to give you thanks today and believe that this season of darkness will fade away. Cycle A. Lord, commit my heart ever closer to you, because I dont want to live in a Good Friday world without you. May our prayers rise like pleasing incense to Your throne. Sunday readings are on a three-year rotation of readings identified by the letters A, B, and C. In 2023, the Church follows Year A readings, which highlight the Gospel of Luke. We despise waiting, whether it be for dreaded news or something joyful. It is good to be reminded of those things . Joshua 1:8 Righteous God, I pray that the Book of Law does not depart from my mouth, I pray also that I meditate on it day and night, so that I will be careful to do according to all that is written in it. Teach us to do your will, that we may inwardly love you before all things with a pure mind. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35 NIV). However, its worth remembering the importance of Scripture and tradition in the Church. With all creation, we rejoice in You, in Your Son, and in Your Holy Spirit! Lord, lead me in your way, encouraging me to persevere on the hard days, remembering the great hope I have in you. I'm glad you're here to journey with me! It involves the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.During those three days we recalland through our prayer participate inJesus' Last Supper with his disciples, his arrest, trial, and execution, the long day of silence (Holy Saturday) while his body rested in the grave, and his Resurrection on Easter. Peace Within. If we consider that our beginnings were fashioned in our mothers wombs, we might realize that life itself would be impossible for us without God sustaining us. Daily reflections for Holy Week and Easter Week, written by Susanna Gunner in 2020 but still all too pertinent in 2021 A painting, a short reflection and a prayer are offered to make connections between aspects of our Holy Week and Easter Week journey and the global pandemic which, this year, is inescapably our context for that journey. It is our gift of gratitude for the price of love. The Order how the rest of Holy Scripture is appointed to be read A Table of Proper Lessons and Psalms Tables and Rules for the Feasts and Fasts through the whole Year The Order for Morning Prayer The Order for Morning and Evening Prayer The Creed of S. Athanasius The Litany Prayers and Thanksgivings Collects Epistles and Gospels We thank you that you are at work right now, trading our ashes for greater beauty. How He was silent before His accusers and suffered all, to bring us life. Service at 9:30am. Stretch forth the right hand of your majesty and be our sure defense; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. "Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14) Waiting is likely one of the most challenging aspects of the human condition. Good News Reflection for: Friday of the First Week of Lent March 3, 2023. He knows our past lives, our current thoughts, motives and actions, and our destiny. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around A time to let His light shine upon you, and to walk the road alongside Him from His suffering to His resurrection. Almighty God, grant that we who deserve to be afflicted for our evil deeds may mercifully be relieved by the comfort of your grace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Finally, you might find some time this week to go on a spiritual pilgrimage with Jesus, wherever you are. Teach us to call your nameAs Jesus did.Make us to trust in you like little children.In Jesus name, Matthew 17:1-6; Lamentations 3:1-9, Lamentations 3:19-24. Our hearts bring loved ones to mind who have yet to acknowledge Jesus sacrifice on the cross for their own sins. There are not many (if any!) You are my rock and my redeemer, my shelter in the storm. Prayer of Surrender. Saturday, Fifth Week of Lent. The topics are: Mary of Bethany gives Jesus her most precious possession; our deeds can bring Christ's "good aroma" to the world; caring for Jesus in the Tabernacle. Joseph, This post is based on Week One of An Ignatian Prayer Adventure. In Jesus name, we pray. Ignite Your Prayers with 16 Ways to Pray! Lord God,You loved this world so much,That you gave your one and only Son,That we might be called your children too. Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection is a healing gift to the whole of creation. It is only in Christ Jesus that we can boast.In his name, we ask you to help our unbelief.That we may love you, and walk in the way Jesus taught us.In his name. God doesnt call us to pray *longer* during this time. And it was night. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. Holy Week has nearly arrived. 16 Holy Week Prayers - For Each Morning and Evening Traditionally, Holy week begins each year with a celebration of Palm Sunday. If you want to more fully experience Holy Week, the journey with Jesus from Palm Sunday, his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through Holy Saturday, the day after his crucifixion, step into these daily prayers for Holy Week. "Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish?" Matthew 7:9-10. Allow your power to be manifest through our own weakness, so that others will recognize it is You who is at work on our behalf. Pray with us. And may praise him with a pure heart.And may walk in the way of his suffering,And share also in his resurrection.Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. God, may Your light guide my day, and your spirit bring me peace. When were not at Mass, sometimes we just need short, simple prayers to remain close to God during our busy days. God can and will do glorious things in your life if you let Him! Amen., Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything. You had given all things into his hands.He had come from you, and was going to you,And what did he do?He knelt down on the floor,And washed his friends feet. Theres no set number of prayers or even how you should pray. To you, O Lord, who are mighty to save, pour out your mercy and grace and lead me in your way. As we meet together help us to reflect and remember that we must give to the poor because our treasure is not here, but it is in heaven. I pray that we test ourselves because this is not about ourselves. All rights reserved. Your scripture asks how can we say to our brother Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in our own eye? Heavenly Father, what great love you have for me that you would send your only begotten Son to die for my sins. Amen." Reflect on how to do that in the video below. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV). Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a blogger, speaker, coach, and disturber of hobbits who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner. Once again, your gospel tells us, Martha served,And Mary knelt at Jesus feetTo anoint them with costly perfume.The disciple who was about to betray himSaid that it was a waste. Thank you for this and all the reflections you share. And guide us to your will, to the need of our soul, for we cannot do it ourselves. The reality is that prayer is important during Lent. On Maundy Thursday, we know Jesus washed His disciples feet, celebrated the Passover with them, and retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, faced with the agony of the cross that lay ahead. Remember - every week is a mini Holy Week and every Sunday is a mini Easter. For you are my rock and my refuge, my strength in the storm. Our prayers of petition add nothing to God: neither to His knowledge of us, nor to His love for us. There are so many statistical reasons why our lives are a miracle from the very beginning, one of which is that the formation of a tiny baby is incredibly fragile and prone to death. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Loyola Press is expressly prohibited. Ive spent more Sundays in Lent at home sick or home with sick children than Ive been in church. Pray with us. O blood and water flowing from your side, sanctify and cleanse me. Jesus actions during Holy Week are the culmination of generations of longing for the coming MessiahGods promised Redeemer. These include: What prayer is; When and where to pray; Whether words are always needed; What to do when prayer seems impossible; Praying alone and with others. A GENERAL LIST OF MORTAL SINS ALL CATHOLICS SHOULD KNOW. Protect us so that we may not be led astray by any temptation. Tim Muldoon's audio reflections accompany suggestions for prayer and action each week. Thank You for Your Word and I pray that the Scripture is our ultimate guide during our meetings, Amen. How can we maintain some realm of holy quiet? How He faced betrayal and desertion by those closest to Him. ThisFREE podcast provides a fresh approach to the Lenten season and can be used as a devotional or study for individuals and groups. And I am distracted by many things.Turn my eyes now to the One who comes in your nameThe one who opens the gates of righteousnessThe one who answers when we call. Amen. Meditations: Monday of Holy Week. Let us not be legalistic in doing good for Your kingdom. After all, Lent includes (and prepares us for) some of the longest liturgies of the year. Amen. Prayer is an important part of Lent as it is the main source of communication to God. The Biblical practice of fasting can be found in both the Old Testament and the New, with Moses (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9-18), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and our Lord (Matthew 4:2) all participating in 40-day fasts. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Faithful God, I pray that we examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. Sacrifice, mortification, and suffering do not come easily. These events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23, and John 18:28-19. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Start with the readings for the day, consider the reflection questions, then use the prayers to begin your conversation with God. Even if, like me, you feel you havent quite lived into the penitential season of Lent, its not too late to begin walking toward resurrection morning. This is recorded in all four gospels, as well. Palm Sunday Prayer Matthew 21:1-11; Psa 118:1-2; Psa 118:19-29 Lord God, I give you thanks, for you are good, and your mercy is endless. May this Holy Week transform my darkest moments and weakness as I surrender all to You, my God. How is it that historys most glorious moment is surrounded by fearful fishermen, despised tax collectors, marginalized women, feeble politicians, and traitorous friends? Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. Catholics striving for holiness. O Lord, the King of Kings, who led and taught not as a mighty ruler, but a servant leader, show me how to lead and live through love. Amen.