Maundy Thursday Extended Worship
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Three Days. From Maundy Thursday through Holy Saturday we mark the dramatic story at the heart of the holy mystery that is Christ's death and resurrection. Today I want to share some resources with you for Maundy Thursday.
First, I want to encourage you to allow this Maundy Thursday to be a time of reflection and renewal. Jill Duffield, editor of the Presbyterian Outlook, has prepared a beautiful guide with five spiritual practices for Maundy Thursday. You can read her whole guide here; the practices are summarized below:
At each meal, pause and recognize that Jesus is present. Picture Jesus sitting across from you. What do you want to tell him? How do you imagine he responds?
Every time you wash your hands, recall Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. As you wash each finger and both thumbs, pray for someone or something. Use each handwashing to emphasize a different kind of prayer: confession, praise, thanksgiving or intercession.
When you dry your hands, allow the towel to remind you of Jesus’ care for you. As you wrap the towel around your hands, remember that you are enveloped by Christ’s love.
Take notice of your breath and use that awareness as an opportunity to practice a breath prayer. You might want to breathe in and pray “love,” and as you breathe out pray “one another.”
Offer one small act of service today as a way of following Jesus’ example.
Second, I want to especially encourage you to set aside time during your evening meal this Maundy Thursday to mark the day. I've included two resources; I find each beautiful, and whatever your situation I would encourage you to explore both.
This resource is especially designed for a family to use surrounding and after their evening meal. It contains two different activities; you can engage with however much is meaningful for your family.
This resource is a prayer from a favorite book of mine, Every Moment Holy. It is entitled "A Liturgy Before A Meal Eaten Alone." If you will be spending this Maundy Thursday, or any of the coming days, eating alone I encourage you to make use of this prayer.
Finally, I would encourage you to take time this Maundy Thursday to read scripture. The readings for the day are:
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31-35
May you find peace this day,
Pastor Chris
