Thursday, April 17, 2025: Maundy Thursday, C
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (new covenant; God writes his law upon the heart)
ELW/RCL: Exodus 12:1-14 (The Passover)
Psalm 116:12-19 (I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord;
precious in his sight is the death of his faithful servant)
Hebrews 10:15-25 (we have confidence through blood of Jesus to enter God’s holy sanctuary)
ELW/RCL: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Holy Communion; words of institution)
Luke 22:7-20 (the Last Supper)
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Opening/Foot-washing Hymn: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845
OR Jesus, Greatest at the Table: LSB #446
Hymn of the Day: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (and yes, there are – gasp – alleluias. If you can’t sing alleluia on the night of the institution of the Eucharist, when can you?!): LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621
OR Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior: LBW #199, LSB #640
Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476
Communion Hymn #1: Go to Dark Gethsemane: LBW #109, ELW #347, LSB #436
Communion Hymn #2: Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: LBW #226
OR Soul Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488, LSB #636
Closing Hymn: If the altar is stripped, chant Psalm 22
OR In the Hour of Trial: LBW #106
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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to the Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
A brief silence
Most holy Jesus, for the gift of yourself, thank you. For your Body and Blood as food for our journey through this death-shadowed world, thank you. For your love that forgives us, and strengthens us to love and forgive one another, thank you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make your Church the one place on earth that speaks divine truth through human lips, offers divine forgiveness to the humanly-unforgiveable, lavishes divine love on the humanly-unlovable, and mirrors divine light in the darkest places in human hearts.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Draw your persecuted Church deeply into the mystery of your Passion. Give it grace to pray, as you did, for the forgiveness and repentance of all who hate you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep this congregation steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and overflowing with love for you and for one another. Use us to lead those far off from your saving presence closer to the foot of your Cross.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless all who will be baptized this Eastertide. Let them ever rejoice in proclaiming the mystery of faith: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”
Anoint with the healing presence of your most Holy Spirit this poor world that is ravaged by sin, evil, and death. We plead for hatred, prejudice, lies, and bloodshed to cease, and for the pure light of your Gospel to lead all people into your embrace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give wisdom, prudence, integrity, and courage to all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life, liberty, and justice, here and abroad. Bless all they do that is in accordance with your will. Strengthen and cheer them when they falter; and give patience and hope to their loved ones.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the Way, Truth, and Life to everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bestow upon them healing, hope, faith, and trust in your good and merciful will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Shelter our beloved dead in the shadow of your wings, dear Jesus, and keep them safe in your eternal care. Walk with us, we humbly pray, even when we are passing through Gethsemane and lingering at Calvary. Give us grace to trustfully say to your heavenly Father, “Thy will be done.” And lead us in that bright and eternal Easter wherein we gather with all whom you have redeemed, joyfully adore you, and dwell with you in the power of the Holy Spirit in your Father’s house forever. Amen.
