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Welcome to the Wolds & Trent Holy Week Prayer Guide

The staff have drawn this together as we cannot be physically together but we can journey through this important week spiritually and, as always, with Jesus.

There is a reflection for everyday from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. On Easter Day we are aware that not receiving communion is a major loss. We cannot take communion over the internet, Conference says so, but we can share in a “love feast”. All we each need is some cake & a glass of water, or something to eat & something to drink! The liturgy is included.

Take your time, reflect, allow the images & words to enter your heart, mind & soul. Allow the prayers of your heart & soul to mingle with these words.

There is a tear outline and a cross outline for the prayers on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. On Easter Day we suggest you decorate the cross with some paper flowers, like we do in church and put it in your window as a witness.

We are aiming to worship together “virtually” by Zoom for those who have internet access; codes and instructions will come later. The plan is to worship at 4pm, avoiding television & radio services. We will also try to Zoom a Palm Sunday service.

The majority of the images are by Rev Graeme Dutton who gave us permission; the Holy Saturday is of Weeping, a station of a lament; Easter Day is by Rev David Hollingsworth, who has also given his permission.

Palm Sunday: Jesus Wept

Read Luke 19:41-44

Jesus & his disciples have entered Jerusalem, the donkey has been ridden, the shouts of praise been raised, the ground covered in coats & Jesus reflects.

Reflects on the city meant to be the city on a hill, the light to the nations & how far it has fallen, and what is to come.

“If only you had recognised on this day the things that make for peace”

Prayer of Confession Jesus we weep with you At the signs & opportunities for peace ignoredAt the times we have stood back from peace makingWhen pride or resentment has held us back Remind us of what peace means Enable us in this strange time to offer signs Of hope Of peace Of love By the power of your love & the strength of your spirit within us. Amen

Reflection

Looking at the image we see the pain of Jesus as he looks at the Holy City, at those who might have glimpsed who he was but who have rejected him & who will continue to reject him in the coming time. From the grief for the city he moves to anger at those who so visibly exploit others. Grief & anger are so often linked, in these strange times we see grief at loss, anger at those who exploit the vulnerable, scams & hoarding come instantly to mind. Perhaps we weep for our nation as did Jesus. Jesus is in that grief with us, we see his grief & we feel his presence

Prayer

Use a piece of paper to draw a tear, on that tear write the pains you have in this moment & offer them to God, God knows our grief, in Jesus God wept & God holds & remembers our tears. Amen

Monday: Jesus is denied by Peter

Read Luke 22:57-62

Picture the Scene It’s dark, it’s growing cold – someone has lit a fire. The courtyard is busy and you’re desperate to know what’s going on, what’s happened to your friend, your teacher, but you’re scared and you don’t want to be seen; your mind is racing with the possibilities of what might happen next:

How do you feel?What do you as people begin to question who you are?

“The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord . . . And he went out and wept bitterly.”

Hymn

Read or sing “O the bitter shame and sorrow” Hymns & Psalms 538 or widely available on the internet.

Reflection

Today’s Bible reading is, I think, deeply emotional: I feel huge sadness for Jesus as the reality of his situation, his aloneness, is reinforced. And my heart breaks for Peter in that sudden realisation of what he has done. I like to think I wouldn’t have responded in the same way, that I’d have been ready to stand up for Jesus and face the consequences come what may, but can I be sure? Peter’s reactions seem instinctive rather than calculated and planned; he must have been terrified and bewildered; his hopes had been shattered – did it perhaps seem that the future he had envisaged was to be denied him?

Prayer

Spend a few moments in quiet calling to mind times and ways in which you have denied Jesus, denied God’s love, denied others… Ask God for forgiveness. Think about times and ways in which you have been denied by others and ask God for the strength, love and courage to forgive.

Your love, God, reaches to the heavens. Your faithfulness touches the clouds. Your righteousness is as high as the mountains. Your justice is as deep as the seas. How precious is your faithful love. In you we find shelter and light.1 Thanks be to you, loving and gracious God. Amen.Tuesday: Jesus Take Up His Cross1 R Burgess, “A Story of Love”, p.3: Wild Goose Publications, Glasgow, 2018

Read John 17: 1-6

Reflection

The joy and celebration of Palm Sunday were justa couple of days ago, but already we must recognise where this week is leading: it is, to put it mildly, an unusual path that leads to the glorification of God.

The second half of John 16 (verses 16-33) sets the context for today’s reading very well: Sorrow will turn to joy, and peace will be found and experienced in spite of, or sometimes even because of, persecution. And whilst we believe this, and even though we know this is true, in the midst of life’s storms it can be difficult to hold on to.

Take a few minutes to look around you - What are the things you can easily pick up and carry? What might you only be able to carry for a short while? What could you only carry with help? What is, in practical terms, immovable?

Now think about the responsibilities you carry, or must fulfil, regularly or occasionally - which of the above categories do these fall into? You might like to make a list or chart, or draw a picture, of these things. Spend some time talking to God about them, and about how they make you feel.

Think about the people you know and love, and the responsibilities they carry – is there something you can do to help? Perhaps you could call or email someone you know is finding life difficult at the moment and let them know you care; or you might want to make a promise to help with something specific when life returns to “normal”. Commit this to God in prayer.

Prayer

Jesus, as we follow you on the way of the cross we are apprehensive and unsure of ourselves. … You know how faltering are our footsteps, how delicate our discipleships, how feeble our faiths. … Yet still you call us by name and invite us into your company on the road. Give us the courage and commitment we need to journey with you and help us to look out for one another along the way, that through us your love may be shared with all the world. Amen.2

2 Based on a prayer by John Harvey: “Eggs and Ashes”, pp.150-151: Wild Goose Publications, Glasgow, 2010

Wednesday: Jesus and the Women of Jerusalem

Read Luke 23:27-31Jesus is followed by a large crowd, which included many grief-stricken women. Jesus turns to them and says, “Do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.”

ReflectionThe women are crying for Him! You would think that Jesus would be thinking of the suffering thatawaits him, his impending death, and horror on the cross but instead He finds time to talk to the women. Yet, he is telling them the same thing that he had done when He approached the city and wept over it (Luke 19:41). Hidden in Jesus’ words is a prophecy of the future when Jerusalem would be destroyed and women and children would suffer the most. Jesus concludes with a well-known proverb (Luke 23:31) that reminds us green trees make poor fires but dry trees burn easily and quickly. He is saying that things will get worse at the end of the world (Rev 6:15-17).

These women are to be commended for trailing behind and ‘sharing in the suffering’ of Jesus. They knew that the key to the secret of the kingdom of God was Jesus. Women know how to suffer! Women suffer in childbirth. Over the centuries, women have suffered discrimination and desolation. With their suffering has arisen a determination to make things better for the world. In this, the women associate with Jesus, as we can today. In First Peter 4:13 we find these words, “Instead be very glad – for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” It’s difficult to envision suffering and joy, shame and glory resting side by side – for Jesus this was the case.

ApplicationHave you ever eaten anything that is both sweet and sour at the same time and thought, “I like this”? Think of times in your life that you have suffered, yet discovered in your anguish a surprising joy. Write them down, or speak them aloud, and thank God for the joy that is found in suffering.

HymnBlessèd be your name [Matt Redman and Beth Redman] Singing the Faith 41If you have access to Singing the Faith, look up this song and consider some of the words. If you have access to YouTube you can find it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaLXQubmUmE

PrayerChrist our God, your love is poured out in death for our sakes. Hold us in your embrace as we wait for Easter's dawn and strengthen us to wait until you are revealed to us in all your risen glory. Amen.

Thursday: Jesus and His Mother

Read John 19:25-27Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” He said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” From then on, this disciple took her unto his home.

ReflectionThis is a short passage but it is filled with comfort and hope. Even in Jesus’ last hour, nigh moments, 1) the women devote themselves to being close to Him and 2) Jesus is thinking about His mother. Is it a stretch to wonder if He is not thinking of John too? All those near the cross on that fateful day would need comfort and indeed hope. The deep sorrow that Mary, Jesus’ mother would experience was prophesied at His infancy in Simeon’s words (‘a sword will pierce your very soul’, Luke 2:35). Jesus was giving his mother to John. Jesus was putting her into John, the beloved’s care but he was also placing John under the wings of His own mother. At the graveside of a loved one, there is much to be gained by receiving comfort from others.

I well remember when my 19-year-old brother died. I felt my heart had been broken in two. I was fifteen when Mel was born and looked after him and loved him. I can only imagine Mary’s suffering by thinking of my own mother’s grief. Today, the women and John look up at a dying and suffering Son, a Friend, and a Teacher who loved them to the end. They did not yet fully realize or experience the hope that was yet to come. All they had left was each other, or so they thought. I’m quite sure that Mary would have found some comfort in the days and months ahead in John’s care. John would have found consolation in Mary’s attention. The women would have found some solace in their shared suffering. Jesus had extended mercy to his mother, Mary and to his belovèd, John. Jesus extends mercy today.

Thought for TodayThink of times in your life when you experienced grief or something like a sword piercing your very soul. What happened to ease that pain? Listen to a piece of music that never fails to lifts your spirit today. Just repeating the Gregorian chant, Kyrie eleison, Lord, have mercy sometimes helps me.

Closing PrayerGrieving God on the cross, your Son embraced death even as he had embraced life: faithfully and with good courage. Grant that we who have been born out of his wounded side may hold fast to our faith in him exalted and may find mercy in all times of need. Amen.3

3 https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=35 “Revised Common Lectionary Prayers for Holy Week,” accessed 27 March 2020.

Good Friday: Jesus dies on the cross

Read John 19: 28-30

“It is finished” He bowed his head & gave up his spirit

“And love that freely enteredThe pit of life’s despairCan name our hidden darknessAnd suffer with us there”

Prayer “Christ in our darkness risenHelp all who long for lightTo hold the hand of promiseTill faith receives its sight”

Despairing God Whose love enters our living and our dyingBecause of your deep love for all the world Strengthen us by your spirit to hold out that loveTo hold onto the promises Jesus spokePromising that death is not the end.Strengthen us to live in the light of that promise. Amen

ReflectionEarlier this year I bought myself a simple wooden cross, it sits flat on the table & holds a candle for each week of Lent. Around the edge are carved all of the words of Jesus from the cross, this year these words “It is finished” speak to me. At the end of all the rejection, the despair & heartbreak Jesus makes the decision that it is finished, then he gives up his spirit. He puts his entire self into God’s hands & trusts in the promises he has proclaimed. At times like this we need to put ourselves into God’s hands & trust in the promises of God. Not easy but we follow a God of steadfast love who loves us enough to give up his spirit for us.

PrayerFind or draw a cross, use it to reflect on the power of God’s love for you.

Holy Saturday: Jesus is laid in the tomb

Read Mark 15.46

SilenceDarknessThere is a chill in the airThere is nothing left to say

PrayerGod we cannot believe this We have travelled through the week with youSeen your Son Exalted, weeping, denied, wept overHis mother grieving but handed overAnd it is finishedA gifted tombHidden .... It is finished In the grieving of today when funerals are smallAnd loss is amplified We recall that your Son Had a strangers grave & mourners were limitedStrengthen us by the certainty that you feel the depths of our fear Amen

ReflectionSo often we miss this day, as if the quiet, the inactivity & the waiting are to be rushed past. This year we come here knowing what waiting & fearing feels like. Many of us are locked down, some are totally isolating. We are distanced from each other. We are sitting in the waiting time, the quiet & there is room for thoughts to wander.... but God is in this with us, waiting, present & knowing.

Hymn Read or sing the first 3 verses of “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” Hymns & Psalms 181 or Singing the Faith 285

Prayer Jesus, Betrayed, denied, wept over ... we remember you Son of an obedient mother.......we remember youGiving up your spirit .........we remember youLaid in a tomb.......we remember you In our lives.......we remember youContinue in prayer remembering the fears & anxieties of today

Easter Day: A Love Feast

Alleluia! Christ is risen!He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

A love feast, or agape meal, is a way of Expressing the sharing, belonging and fellowshipwe have together as followers of Jesus. A key partis to share how your story is part of God’s story.If you’re joining us on Zoom – don’t panic, we’ve asked a couple of people to prepare something toshare. If you’re sharing this at home, you mightlike to spend a little time reflecting on this later on in our time of worship.

Prayer

Holy God, we thank you that wherever we are you are with us. We praise you that in Christ we have new life. Unite us in this worship by your Holy Spirit that we may each know your blessing. Amen.

Hymn Christ the Lord is risen today (hyms and psalms 197 StF 298)

Readings

Colossians 3:1-4

John 18:1-18

Reflection

In these unprecedented times we have a faith that reminds us that God breaks into the waiting time The women who went to the tomb went to prepare a dead body and they found it gone, the y did not understand and nor did the disciples they broght yo look. Yet quietly in the midst of grief Jesus shows himself to Mary as he says her name. She realizes that he is still alive. Her grief is transformed and she carries the message from Jesus back.Paul reminds us that we carry that glory of the risen Christ in us. Reflect on what that has meant to you….Reflect on how you might show int in your love in these days

Testimony is shared

Grace

For food and drink to share we say thanks be to God. Let’s eat and drink together in thankfulness to God.

The Love Feast is shared

PrayerIn the quiet of our hearts we bring to God the things for which we are especially thankful today . . . All loving God we thank you that in the brokenness of the world you have shown us that hope and faith is not in vain. Accept our thanks in the name of the risen and living Christ, Amen,

Prayers of Intercession

We give you thanks and praise for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and for his appearances to his loved ones. We rejoice with the whole Church in the joy of the risen Lord. Grant that your Church may help to bring peace and hope to our troubled world. Silence…

Lord, we are Easter people: Let ‘Alleluia’ be our song.

Risen Lord, we seek your peace; peace for our war-torn world; peace between nations and people; peace in our dealing with each other; peace in our hearts and in our homes. Silence…

Lord, we are Easter people: Let ‘Alleluia’ be our song.

As you appeared to the disciples in the house, come enter our homes; come enter into our fear and darkness; come enter into our enclosed lives and our fear to venture. Come with the glorious freedom you offer to the children of God. Silence…

Lord, we are Easter people: Let ‘Alleluia’ be our song.

We remember all who are terminally ill and those who are caring for them. [We pray especially for the NHS staff, and remember those affected by the corona virus.] Silence…

Lord, we are Easter people: Let ‘Alleluia’ be our song.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.4

The Lord’s Prayer

Hymn Thine be the glory (hymns and Psalms 212 STf 313)4 David Adam, Waters of Life, (Suffolk: Kevin Mayhew, 2006), Week 32, EASTER SUNDAY, 74-75. The corona virus sentence was added.

Blessing

May the blessing of the God who danced at the dawning of creation, be with us. May the blessing of the Son who challenges us to dance the pain of the world’s suffering, be with us. And may the blessing of the Spirit who invites us to join in the dance of celebration, be with us, this day and all our days. Amen.5

5 Roots on the Web, A blessing for Easter Day, 2004, alt.: www.rootsontheweb.com