This is the second prayer in a series of Easter prayers, featuring photos from my friend’s recent trip to the Holy Land. Read the first prayer here.
Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode.
On Monday morning of that most holy week
I imagine the Sunday hosannas still rang in your ears
as you met your Father for early morning prayer.
In the cool of pre-dawn
before the birds began singing
and all was still,
did you look up at the stars you created?
Did you for one moment remember
your kingly throne, so far away
from the dust between your toes?
Did you long to be restored to full glory
rather than face your cup of suffering?
I imagine your heart was torn.
These people, your followers, the ones
who ate multiplied loaves and fish
strew palm branches at your feet
and sang their praises on a sunny Sunday.
In your infinite wisdom
you must have sensed the coming turn of events:
the crowd reversal
the friend betrayals
the abject loneliness.
How did you face that week
without worry and fear,
such human expressions?
How did you agree to such a sacrifice?
I imagine that Monday morning
you prayed for your people
who you wished to gather under your wings
and your heart nearly broke with love.
Love for those who would spit in your face
and shout, “Crucify!”
Love for those who had shared three years with you
yet would deny they ever knew you.
Love even for sinners like me
thousands of years in the future
needing daily reminders for staying on track.
I can’t imagine that kind of love.
But I marvel at your strength
your resolve
your humility.
I marvel at your sacrifice, Jesus.
On this Monday morning of Holy Week
I sit quietly in the pre-dawn darkness
and offer you praise
as I hear the birds begin their songs.
Questions for reflection:
As this Holy Week begins, what praise will you offer to Jesus?
What do you think Jesus prayed about during that week?
Join me every day this week for more prayers in honor of Holy Week.
Prayer for Holy Week #prayer #holyweek #lent Click To Tweet
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