Devotions for Holy Week

Devotions for
PALM SUNDAY (Matthew 21:1-11)	Question: Jump from Jerusalem to 2011: What do we celebrate as having the potential to save? Celebrities, political figures, athletes, technology? What do we do when we are disappointed in our hopes?   Prayer: Lord God, keep our attention on those things that nurture life and lead us to greater fellowship with you and with each other. Amen
MONDAY (Matthew 26:1-16)	Question: Where do we see hostility and betrayal in our world?  Is there anything that would be worth it to you to betray a friend?  What small betrayals have we been ensnared by, and how can we make amends for them?   Prayer: Lord, God, prevent us from allowing our bitterness or disappointment to lead us to harm others whether in through or deed. Amen
TUESDAY (Matthew 26:17 - 46)	Question: What difference does the Lord's Supper make in our lives? Does the meal we share on Sunday nourish our lives in the world? If so, how?  If not, how might it? When have you last seen someone who needed a tangible expression of God's love? How can you help that person realize how precious they are to God? How can you help that person realize how precious they are to God?   Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of your own body and blood.  Let that gift strengthen us in the knowledge that you love us more than anything.  Amen
WEDNESDAY (Matthew 26:47 - 75)	Question: What strengthens us to keep faith with those we care about? What tempts us to abandon them? Where have you felt abandoned? Where do you need the support of good friends? Who needs you?   Prayer: Lord God, protect and preserve us in this world that we might keep faith with the promises and responsibilities we have undertaken, and when we feel alone remind us that you understand and are with us.  Amen.
THURSDAY (Matthew 27: 1 - 31)	Question: Where do you see the struggle for power and the easy resort to defamation and violence in our world today? In what ways does fear poison our relationships at home and at work as well as in the larger world? What one thing would you ask God to change about your life or the world? How can you contribute to making that happen?   Prayer: Use us, Lord God, as instruments of peace in a world too often broken by violence and a thirst for power.  Amen.
GOOD FRIDAY (Matthew 27: 31 - 56)	Question: How does Jesus' death tell the truth about our lives and the world? How does it give us hope? Where do you see God still at work to redeem and preserve creation? Where do you long to see God?   Prayer: Lord God, on the cross you suffered the very depths of our human life, even to the point of death.  When we see the cross, let us remember that you become one of us and endured all elements of life to show us your great love to give us hope.  Amen.
SATURDAY (Matthew 27: 57 - 66)	Question: What needs resurrecting in your life? What makes it hard to turn this over to God and trust that God will bring you, too, through death to new life?   Prayer: Lord, God, remind us of your presence with us when we stumble, suffer, or are afraid in any way.  Give us strength, courage, and peace, and help us to be an encouragement and sign of life to others.  Amen.