A Prayer for Holy Week
Lord Jesus, as we walk beside you in this holiest of weeks, make us mindful of those who are our companions on the road:
As we join the triumphal march of palms, we salute all who march or demonstrate for peace and justice, even at the risk of their own lives and freedom;
As we watch you betrayed and arrested, we place our hearts with all prisoners of conscience;
As you receive the wounds of whips and crown of thorns, we feel the pain of all who are ridiculed, demonized, raped, and tortured;
As you stumble with exhaustion, we acknowledge the weariness of refugees, migrants, and all who long for a place to call home;
As you are comforted by Veronica’s soft cloth, we praise you for all who are moved by the Spirit to comfort the suffering, whether by shelter from the United Nations, a sandwich on the road through Mexico, or a friend in court for the legally defenseless;
As you comfort dying thieves with the promise of paradise, open our hearts to child soldiers, unwilling conscripts, and all who feel trapped in violence they neither want nor understand;
As you speak from the cross to comfort Mary and John, teach us to remember, even in our own struggles, there are ways in which we can strengthen others;
As you await your death on the cross, may we be with all who await the great transition, and with those who keep vigil with them;.
And as we, far beyond our deserving and our imagining, share with our companions in your Easter victory, we praise you for ever and ever.
AMEN
- by Frederick L. Houghton, AFRECS board member
Crown of Thorns (Dinka: Göl de kuoth). This image of Christ suffering for and with us was created in 2000 by Hilary Garang Deng Awer, retired bishop of Malakal now living in Juba.
AFRECS breathes because individuals like you care about the peacebuilding, educating, and empowering work of the Episcopal Church in the Sudans. Parishes and dioceses are also welcome supporters. Please act on your concern by contributing here or send your check payable to AFRECS, Box 3327, Alexandria VA 22302. We are a 501(c)3 corporation, and your contributions are tax-deductible.