PRAYING

Easter Sunday

2 KINGS 19:14 (MSG)
Hezekiah took the letter from the envoy and read it. He went to The Temple of God and spread it out before God. And Hezekiah prayed—oh, how he prayed!

LUKE 9:28 (NTFE)
About eight days after this conversation, Jesus took Peter, John and James and went up a mountain to pray.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Prayer is the natural response to a change in situation. 

DAILY FODDER
In the gospels, how many times does Jesus pray after the resurrection? What about the disciples?

PRAYER
Hallelujah! We sing the songs of resurrection from the mountaintops. Now we continue to pray that your Good News will reach the ears of all whose hearts are hardened by doubts in this dark world. Risen Jesus, you are praying with us. By the Spirit we lay the lost before your throne. Our hope is in you, O Lord. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THE DAY OF GOD'S FAVOR

Holy Saturday

ISAIAH 61:1-2 (ABP)
I've been possesed by GOD’s spirit, who has commisioned me to proclaim the year of GOD’s favor—the day when he is vindicated and those in mourning are comforted.

LUKE 23:43 (CEB)
Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even from the cross, Jesus was comforting those who mourned over their sins—truly a time of God's favor. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is mourning associated repentance in the Bible? 

PRAYER
Merciful Savior, thank you for taking my sin to the cross where it was crucified. It truly was a day of your favor. As I enter into the mourning surrounding your death, show me how to mourn over my sins so that through repentance I might come to experience the forgiveness declared at the cross. It's all a bit overwhelming but I know that tommorrow is Sunday. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

PRINCE OF PEACE

Good Friday

ISAIAH 9:6 (CEB)
He will be named
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:19 (CEB)
God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ, by not counting people’s sins against them. He has trusted us with this message of reconciliation.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The Savior who died for us is the Prince of Peace, reconciling the world to God.

DAILY FODDER
What are the many implications of following Jesus as the Prince of Peace?

PRAYER
Jesus, this is the day we remember your death on the cross. This dreadful death was for the sins of the whole world.  My song today is one of sorrowful thanks, for you reconciled me to be at peace with God. Jesus, your life paid the price, and you won the victory over death. I praise you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

FOLLOW SUIT

Maundy Thursday

PSALM 73:23 (ABP)
   I'm always here for you, holding your hand.

LUKE 22:42-43 (NTFE)
   “Father,” (Jesus) said, “if you wish it—please take this cup away from me! But it must be your will, not mine.”
   An angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthening him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
   As God was there for Jesus in his critical moment he is there for all of us. 

DAILY FODDER
   The Thursday before Good Friday is called Maundy Thursday. The English word maundy can be traced to the Middle English and Old French term mandé (also the origin of the English word "mandate"). On the night of his betrayal Jesus said to his disciples "I'm giving you a new mandate. You're to love each other in the same way I've loved you..." That is, as God the Father was there for Jesus, and Jesus was there for us, so are we to be there for each other.

PRAYER
   Dear Savior, on this day I remember how you bravely suffered and died on our behalf. As I share in the bread and cup today I recognize that you included me in your sacrifice to save the world from sin and eternal death. As the Father strengthened you, I'm asking you for the strength to follow suit and stand faithful with you—no matter what. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.