By Rich Peterson, Church Relations
The Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before Easter
As a “recovering Baptist,” I came late to the party regarding some of the more liturgical approaches to worship. About three decades ago, I began using the Christian Calendar in my devotional/private worship times as a way of moving through the various seasons of the year.
What this means is that I am now more likely to concern myself with things like Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost than I am to concern myself with National Bird Day (Jan. 5), Houseplant Appreciation Day (Jan. 10), Singles Appreciation Day (Feb. 15), Star Wars Day (May 4), Hammock Day (July 22), National Marshmallow Toasting Day (Aug. 30), or National Fruitcake Day (Dec. 27).
One of the results of my “recovery” has been an appreciation for spiritual guides like William Barclay – his leadership and prayers throughout the Christian calendar.
As we approach the events of Holy Week starting this coming Sunday (Palm Sunday), perhaps you might be interested in a little Scripture reading through the days of this very special time:
- Sunday – Matthew 27:1-54
- Monday – Mark 14
- Tuesday – Mark 15:1-39
- Wednesday – Luke 22
- Thursday – Luke 23:1-49
And this prayer…by Barclay:
Eternal and ever blessed God, you sent your Son Jesus into the world to be an example to us. Help us to walk in his steps.
Help us to walk
in his humility
so that we too may be among our fellow men and women as those who serve;
in his forgiveness,
so that we too may forgive, as we hope to be forgiven;
Help us to walk
in his courage,
so that nothing may ever deflect us from the way we ought to take;
In his endurance,
so that nothing may daunt or discourage us, until we reach our goal;
In his loyalty,
so that nothing may ever seduce our hearts from our devotion to him.
Help us to share the life that our Lord once lived on earth that we may also share the life he lives in his risen power.
Grant that it may be our meat and drink to do the will of our Father who is in heaven.
Grant unto us to take up whatever cross is laid upon us and gallantly and gladly to carry it.
Grant that
as we may share his cross,
so we may share his crown;
as we share his death,
so we may also share his life.
And so, grant that having suffered with him we may also reign with him.
This we ask for your love’s sake. Amen.
Social Media Challenge:
Remember the people all over the globe who come to church twice a year: Christmas and Easter. As you prepare for Holy Week, read the above Scriptures, then post a summary of what you read with the Scripture reference. End your post with a written prayer for that day. Post with a picture from a church event you attended.