Gospel Reading

Click here for today's chronological reading of the Gospels. 

• Matthew 27:27-56
• Mark 15:16-41
• Luke 23:26-49
• John 19:17-30

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Maundy Thursday

Today is traditionally known as Maundy Thursday in what we call Holy Week. A night with a series of events: Celebration. Passover. Remembrance. Confusing events. Hard events. Painful events. An event of prayer. Anguish that could only be shared with the Father. Anguish shared yet alone. A plea, a lament, the ultimate submission.

Jesus knew that He could approach the Father with anything. Talk to Him about everything. Lament. What do our prayers of lament look like when it seems our emotions are overtaking us? When circumstances beyond our control seem to be winning? Could we take a page from the Psalms and express ourselves in the following way?

Father God, Lord of all, we cry out.
Hear our prayers Lord, in anguish we cry out.

We cry out Lord, for our sick.
For healing, Lord, we cry out.

We cry out Lord, for our suffering.
For comfort, Lord, we cry out.

We cry out Lord, for lives lost.
In despair, Lord, we cry out.
Catch our tears, Lord, we cry out.
Sit with us in our grief, Lord, we cry out.

We cry out Lord, in fear.
For mercy, Lord, we cry out.

We cry out Lord, in loneliness.
Be with us, Lord, we cry out.

We cry out, Jesus.
You hear, we trust.

As our laments rise up, we can trust in the Name of Jesus. We are heard. Remember when Jesus went up to the garden to pray? He did so in community. Granted, He asked Peter, John, and James to stand watch. But isn't that what we are today: a community that stands watch together? How are we community for each other today? How are we holding each other?

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Daily Practice and Reflection

As you sit with God today, what is your lament?

Write it out. Share it with Him.
Invite Him to be with you in your raw emotions.
See Jesus Lord sitting with you as you share.
Allow the sureness, the comfort of Who He is, wash over you.

Allow His Love to wash over you.
To hold you.