Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, April 2, 2026: Maundy Thursday
Sola/LSB: John 13:1-35 (for foot washing): Jesus washes disciples’ feet, explains significance
RCL/ELW: Same; but this is the only Gospel appointed for Maundy Thursday
Sola/LSB: Exodus 24:3-11: Moses and the elders eat in God’s presence
RCL/ELW: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14: The first Passover
Sola/LSB: Psalm 116: What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?
RCL/ELW: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Sola/LSB: Hebrews 9:11-22: Christ, the mediator of new covenant, cleanses us by his blood
RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul’s version of the words of institution
Sola/LSB: Matthew 26:17-30: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper at his Last Supper
******************************************
Opening Hymn, if used: Around You, O Lord Jesus: LBW #496, ELW #468
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: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487
OR Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: LBW #226, LSB #637
OR When You Woke That Thursday Morning: LSB #445 (Jaroslav Vajda’s powerful words pair surprisingly well with Marty Haugen’s tune usually used for “Joyous Light of heavenly Glory”)
Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488 (#489 has Hispanic tune, same words), LSB #636 (It has All. Eight. Verses!)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #225, Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray
OR Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee: LBW #199, LSB #840
Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476 (Gerard Manley Hopkins’ translation)
Closing Hymn: Generally omitted in favor of Psalm 22 while the altar is stripped
*******
Let us pray to our merciful God on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Father, we adore you. We bless you for your love and mercy. Thank you for the Medicine of immortality, given at the Last Supper and extended to us. Thank you for Jesus’ humble washing away of our sins. Thank you because he names as friends those who love him. Number us among them, dear Father! Help us to love one another as he has loved us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guide our seminary professors and students, pastors and lay leaders, all missionaries of the Gospel, and everyone walking the path of discipleship. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect Jesus to everyone.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the good of the people entrusted to their care.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant courage and integrity to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, including: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your eternal feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed through your dear Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the glory of heaven’s endless day.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For these things, dear Father, and for whatever else is needful, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
