This could be read by numerous readers (perhaps passing it around a circle) or in the traditional one/many responsive reading style. It might be used for a nightime reading with a child or with a group out under the summer stars. One: Holy darkness, hold us. Many: Gentle darkness, soothe us. One: Peaceful darkness, heal […]
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Inspired by Michael Rosen His were the hands That shaped the wood That smoothed the knot That summoned the friends And launched the boat His were the hands That touched the blind And opened ears That held the child And cast out fears His were the hands That fingered the coin That plucked the corn […]
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Who will keep watch with you? Who will stand with you? Your disciples disappear into the darkness. Their resolve dissolves. Denial. Detained. Assaulted. Battered. Like a detainee of today shuttled from pillar to post. From Pilate to Herod, from court to court. Crucified. Yet, even from the cross you plead for us, “Forgive them for […]
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A picture is worth a thousand words. These photos are available free-of-charge for your use on Maundy Thursday, or anytime of the year. Please credit the photographer or artist.
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His were the hands That shaped the wood That smoothed the knot That summoned the friends And launched the boat His were the hands That touched the blind And opened ears That held the child And cast out fears His were the hands That fingered the coin That plucked the corn That wrote in sand […]
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Table for two or more, please: tabla rasa or elemental mesa, fine-grained wood or chrismed marble slab, in the center of the city or in the heart of the heart of the brush arbor; whatever works, whatever lets you face your face and pandemic’s knell. Let it be set, accordingly, with clouds passing overhead or […]
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Helpful for those still looking for a template for Maundy Thursday for families to use at home. Thandiwe gives full permission for the use of the service and Maren Tirabasi gives permission for all that is adapted from Gifts in Open Hands. Maundy Thursday: A Feast of Love Though we are separated in body, nothing […]
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John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Written after hearing of the visit of the South Sudanese leaders to the Vatican. Pray with me. God may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all of our hearts be acceptable to you. You are our rock and our redeemer. Enter our hearts, we pray. Amen. The host’s action […]
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A poem on Mark 14:3-9 We remember him, this loving gift of life itself broken and poured out. Week after week, around this table, we remember him. But he remembered her. Long before the story touched our hearts or stirred its way into our souls, Before he walked the final road, or carried the cross, […]
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A worship resource from Christian Aid UK Invite worshippers to name situations and places of concern either silently to themselves, or aloud. Footwashing God, We have named those names on our hearts We have spoken those situations out loud And we look forward To the time when all will know the shelter Of your coming Kin-dom. […]
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Written specifically for sharing during a re-enactment of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, this prayer might be used at other communion services throughout the year. Out of the chaos, O God, you spoke and order came. Out of the nothingness, your hand touched dirt and water and we were formed. Out of your creative […]
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Prayed at Saint Andrews Scots Memorial Church in Jerusalem Setting the scene When Jesus came into Jerusalem for that last supper the crowds were singing and dancing. Palms were waved and coats were tossed on the ground—all for the victorious One. Hosanna in the highest. No matter that he came on a donkey instead of […]
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Written in 1986 for a Maundy Thursday evening service at Mfanefile United Congregational Church, Zululand, South Africa, where we (Ana & Tod) lived illegally (in a ‘Black Spot’ during apartheid) and ministered at the time. With no electricity, the church was lit by a few candles. In the days of apartheid, the world felt very […]
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