Pastoral Prayer: Maundy Thursday

Here is a pastoral prayer written for Maundy Thursday worship.  It comes from Come and Remember: Prayers for Maundy Thursday by Rev. Kelly Burd.

Pastoral Prayer for Maundy Thursday

Gracious God,
As those who strive to follow Jesus in our living
and to trust your power in our dying,
we gather to reflect upon the life that ended on a cross.

We recognize in ourselves the strengths and weaknesses of Jesus’ disciples:
although they loved him, they disappointed and failed him.

And yet, gathering with these imperfect friends at this last meal
Jesus washed their feet in service, and then
extended the bread and cup to each.
Jesus called them to love one another, and invited them to share in his very life
and in his acceptance of the road ahead.

We are humbled, honored and inspired
by the deep love Christ extended to the world,
and we take seriously the calling to be the body of Christ today.

Forgive us when we disappoint and fail you,
and guide us back to a place of trust and faithful living.

Grant us the vision to see the world as you see it,
with love and compassion for each creature and all of your creation.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray to you. . .
Our Father….

— from Come and Remember: Prayers for Maundy Thursday, written by Rev. Kelly Burd. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.  For more worship resources for Maundy Thursday, click on Maundy Thursday in the list of "Labels" at the lower right side of the page.