Here is a Holy Thursday prayer or Maundy Thursday prayer that can be used as a church service prayer or in private prayer and mediation.  This prayer focuses on the promises and challenges from the scripture verses in book of John that Jesus gave us.

On the Thursday before his arrest, Jesus taught in the Upper Room when He instituted communion by giving the disciples the bread and wine as symbols of his sacrificial death for our redemption.  The word maundy means command, and it signifies the charges Jesus gave to his disciples of service in God’s Kingdom.  Many churches hold communion services on Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday.

Holy Thursday Gifts of Jesus Prayer

Shrine of the passion of Christ Dear Jesus, Today I join my heart with yours as you showed us how to face tragedy and suffering with prayer, trust, hope and courage.  I remember today how you sat down with your disciples during your last supper here on earth and told them as you gave them bread and wine, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.  This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”  (Luke 22:19,20 NIV)

On that night, even though you were facing death, you gave us so many amazing gifts.  I receive from you now the cup of communion and the washing of my feet that symbolizes forgiveness for my sins and the ability to live a fresh, clean, healthy life.  (John 13:3-10) Jesus, here are the things I confess now to you:___________________________________________________________

After washing the disciple’s feet, you said that it was a lesson in serving others, that if you, the Master, took on such a humble task for our sake, so we too should take on the job of serving others.   And so I ask for the gift of a humble, serving heart.  (John 13:12-17)   Jesus, here is something that is standing in the way of my serving like You that I wish I could get past ___________________________________________________

You also predicted that Peter, one of the strongest disciples, would betray you and run away.  (John 13:38)  You asked him, “Will you really lay down your life for me?”  Jesus, you know that I usually think that I will act more nobly than I do.  Yet often I find myself taking the easy way out and avoiding the more difficult things I know I ought to be doing.  Forgive me.  Help me.   Jesus, here is something that I have been avoiding doing that I need your help to face_______________________________________

I thank you that you said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”  (John 14:1 NIV)  It’s often hard to trust.  Help me to bring my troubled, worried heart to you.  Jesus, here is something that I am very worried about today______________________________________________

I receive comfort from your telling us, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  (John14:2 NIV)   I cling to the promise that death does not end our lives and that you are preparing a place for me in heaven.  Jesus, here is something that troubles me about death__________________________________________________

I claim the promise you gave saying, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:12,13 NIV)  Whenever I read this, it often seems like you’re talking about someone else and not me.  I don’t feel capable of doing anything even half as great as the things you did.  Please give me the courage to at least attempt great things in your name, praying hard for the strength, guidance and help you promise because without you, I can do nothing.  Jesus, here is something that I think is too big an assignment that I feel you have asked me to do_________________________________________

May I receive the gift of the Holy Spirit you told us about when you said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth..for he lives with you and will be in you…But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said.”  (John 14:16,17,26 NIV)  Help me open up my heart, mind and spirit to receive your Holy Spirit, that I might forever have within me your spirit, truth, life and guidance.  Jesus, here is one way I want to open myself to the Holy Spirit today_____________

Help me to remain consciously with you, united in purpose, will and action so that I might accomplish my mission and become more like you as you said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)  Jesus, here is one thing that I have been trying to do on my own without you_____________________

May my heart be filled with love for others as you said, “This is my command: Love each other.”  (John 15:7 NIV)  And then you said, “The Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”  (John 16:27 NIV)   I am overwhelmed that you love me, weak as I am.  May I respond by being a conduit of love to those around me in need of your love.   Jesus, here is one way I would like to become more loving either to myself or others_______________________________

And so dear Jesus, I thank you for facing the cross that I might be empowered to live like you and to fulfill my calling from you here on earth.  In your precious name I pray.  Amen.

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