God, The Sabbath rest of Holy Saturday is not for us this year. If only we shared the Marys’ ignorance of what the dawn will bring, we could spend today in the deep rest of grief. But we have already heard the startling commands: “Go.” “Tell.” And, despite our alarm, despite our terror and amazement,… Read More
Holy Week Preparations
Here we are in the middle of Holy Week. How are you? What’s weighing on you? What’s keeping you going? What’s left to do? What’s left of your Lenten practice; is it something you might continue? If you have found a reflection or essay, blog post or op-ed that will influence your preaching or liturgy… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Still-present God, these holy days feel like busy days, and so we come to you, seeking the spirit of Jesus, which still circles the world. Remind us, we pray, to walk slowly in these days, treading in the footsteps of our brother Jesus, who used these days to eat with a leper, defend a woman,… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
As Lent takes these final breaths, Divine Winds, remind me to breathe deeply. The shallowness of the intake of air robs my body from oxygen and peace. My anxiety levels rise as I refuse to stop and be mindful… inhaling… exhaling. My heart thumps as I recall the level of work that needs to be… Read More
Monday Prayer
Holy Week begins… and we walk slowly, slowly, day by day step by step from the hosanna of Sunday through to crucify! Today, it beings, the tables are turned and life is never going to be the same again for those who witnessed it. Today, it beings, and for us there is the chance to… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Hosanna! Save Us
Hosanna! Save us, O God! From hasty palm waving and distracted worship; from the Holy Week panic about to set in; from the onslaught of emails and plastic eggs; from the special music to arrange and the brunch casseroles to bake; from the late nights, the restless sleeps, the too-early mornings. Save us, O God,… Read More
Friday Festival: Holy Week Recap
It’s Good Friday, a day on which our festival takes on a somber tone. I have been reading updated blogs all week with this day in mind, wondering how our writers are preparing for this week-end of death and resurrection. As the week began, if you go back to last Saturday, the eve of… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Pilate Tweets Holy Week
Joanna Harader serves as pastor of Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, KS. As of the posting of this piece, she has written more fake tweets than real ones. She blogs at SpaciousFaith.com. RevGalBlogPals encourages you to share our blog posts via email or social media. We do not grant permission to cut-and-paste prayers and articles… Read More
RCL-Narrative Lectionary: Holy Week Extravaganza Bonus Edition!
Maundy Thursday. Good Friday. Easter Vigil. Whatever other worship services and events are typical for your congregation. It’s all come down to this, folks! It’s the final countdown, the sprint to the finish, the last hurrah. It’s time to get serious. Jesus has joyfully entered Jerusalem. The final meal, betrayal, arrest, and execution are at… Read More
Thursday Prayer: Counting
Dear God, We are counting: counting palm crosses (will there be enough for all the people who like to take one for a neighbour, and for the rest home services next week, and some to dry for next year’s ashes); counting how many liturgies are written and services prepared (Holy Week is busy); and counting… Read More
