Holy Week Prayers

For each day of the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, we created a simple breath prayer to meditate on throughout the day. Each prayer is designed to help you to release something to God as you exhale, and to receive something from God as you inhale. This contemplative practice is a simple way to intentionally incorporate prayer into your daily life through the function of breathing, which you do naturally. Included below are the write-ups that accompanied each prayer on our social media posts.

Palm Sunday
As we move towards Easter, we invite you to use these Holy Week breath prayers to reflect on Jesus' journey to the cross.

A breath prayer, it is a simple prayer practice to breathe out what our minds and hearts are holding on to, and breathe in Christ's renewing presence. To release worry, or longing, temptation, or lies, and to receive his peace, his truth, his love. Breathe out, breathe in. Release, receive.

Monday
Ever struggle to release the doubts that limit your trust and faith in Jesus? Here is a simple prayer to start: as you exhale, offer your doubts and questions to God, and as you inhale choose to trust Jesus and invite him to meet you in your doubt.

If you want to take it one step further, ask Jesus if he has anything to say about your questions.

Tuesday
In the week leading up to his crucifixion, Jesus predicted his death and resurrection multiple times, but rather than resisting, he chose to trust his Father, and submit to God's plan.

In whatever your current circumstances, where is God asking you to trust him, and his good plan for your life? Release control to God as you exhale, and as you breathe in, choose to trust in his goodness.

Wednesday
The disciples struggled to understand the path God had prepared for Jesus to walk, and how he would fulfill the scriptures. They expected a mighty warrior, not a humble servant full of love. They expected all things to be made right through a messianic king, not a sacrifice made for all, suffering and dying on the cross. They were willing to defend, but also betray. They were willing to follow, but also run away and hide.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

What is a frustration that you have with how God is working? Is your expectation of Him out of alignment with his purpose to allow everyone to come to repentance? He intends to keep all his promises, at just the right time, and in just the right way.

Release your expectations as you exhale, confessing your frustration and finite understanding of his ways. As you inhale, accept his plans and purposes as promises of his good intentions that will be fulfilled.

Maundy Thursday
On Maundy Thursday, we remember the passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples in the upper room. As Jesus knelt to wash their feet in humility he served them. He demonstrated how far he would go to reveal his love, and to meet their deepest needs for wholeness and salvation. The table is both an invitation to receive everything we need in Christ, and a remembrance of the sufficiency of his love and sacrifice.

Exhale your concerns, strivings, and brokenness. Inhale Jesus' provision, sufficiency, and care.

Good Friday
Paul resolved in 1 Corinthians 2:2 to know nothing except Jesus, and his crucifixion on the cross. For knowing the person of Jesus, and what his death has accomplished for us is all that we need, and do not deserve. But God sacrificed his Son so that we may know his love and salvation, for nothing else could or can make that possible.

As you breathe out, confess your culpability in Christ's death, and as you inhale, receive his forgiveness.

Holy Saturday

Easter Sunday
Jesus' resurrection shows his authority over death, and at the same time speaks life and opportunity for our participation in his resurrection in our own lives.

O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?
(1 Cor 15:55)