Lord Jesus, Servant King, On this Holy Thursday, I remember the hands that broke the bread, that washed the feet, that lifted the cup – I see You kneeling, not in defeat, but in divine humility, so O Teacher, teach me this way; teach me humility when exalted, and knowing pain is gain; in this time of uncertainty, give me Your blessed assurance You are mine; be my rock in a world built on sand; be my oasis of grace and peace in a world of tension and turmoil; help me to carry my cross gracefully, as you did in Your Passion; help me to follow Your beam of light in the midst of this darkness; help me to see Your will in all things, and show others Your comfort and strength. Lord Jesus, the Vilified, the Crucified, You, the Eternal Word, wrapped Yourself in a towel, stooping lower than men expected, loving deeper than they deserved – wrap me in Your love; let me carry that same towel — to serve those who misunderstand me, to wash the feet of the weary, to bless those who may never bless me back. Lord Jesus, Sacred Head once wounded, Lord of Life and Glory, keep me calm when tempers flare up; keep me sane in a crazy world; keep me focused on the houses in Heaven rather than the houses of cards collapsing around me; keep my eyes focused on the prize of Heaven, and not lose hope in You in this world or in the world to come; make me compassionate in dealing with others; let me see my travails as carrying my cross and sharing in Your Passion, for the love of You and for the salvation of souls, including mine; and make all my difficulties be ultimately for my good and Your glory. O Christ, as You took the cup, You did not flinch, You saw the cross within it, still, You drank it – so I pray this day of light and darkness – give me the strength to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done;” let me not only remember the Last Supper; and let me live it: in surrender, in sacrifice, in sacred fellowship. Let the bread I break with others be seasoned with grace. Lord Jesus, Friend of Sinners, Saviour of Mankind, save me tonight; let the wine of my life be poured out in joy; prepare my heart for Gethsemane; teach me to pray when others sleep; give me oil in my lamp and resolve in my soul; and as the night deepens, let me not grow bitter, but grow bold in love. I ask this in the name of the One who knelt, who served, and who would soon be lifted up — Jesus Christ, the Lamb. Amen.
Apr
