Holy Week begins today, Lord…
In some ways, it’ll be an ordinary week:
I’ll still have my regular work and duties.
I’ll still need to care for family and friends.
I’ll still have to do the laundry and take out the trash.
I’ll still have shopping to do and bills to pay.
I’ll still worry and fret about all the things
I always worry and fret about.
I’ll still have to deal with all of life’s everyday problems.
My responsibilities won’t diminish or take a break…
And I’ll do all this in a world that largely ignores
all we celebrate on these holy days:
Palm Sunday
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter!
So I need your help, Lord,
to make and keep this week – holy…
I hope and pray this week will be peaceful
– in spite of all that’s mine to do…
I hope and pray these days will be prayerful:
that I’ll make time to spend alone with you
– and time to spend in prayer, at church, with others…
I hope and pray, in mind and heart
these days will truly be different:
these days will truly be different:
in how I plan and pass my time,
in how I relate to the world around me
and in how grow in knowing and loving you…
Help me live this week of holy days,
these solemn, grace filled, joyful days:
a week of days made holy
by your presence, word and mercy…
More than any days in all the year,
more than any other week,
may the days ahead be holy, Lord
in my heart, my prayer, my life…
