Act of Worship for Maundy Thursday: The Lord’s Supper

Come, Lord Jesus, meet us your friends here in joy as the shouts of the crowds still ring in our ears: ‘Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Come, Lord Jesus, meet us here.

Come, Lord Jesus, stay with us. It is the evening of the day. We will spend time together. We will look ahead to what is about to take place. Come, Lord Jesus, stay with us.

Come, Lord Jesus, live in our hearts forever, as the Father intended. Nothing can separate us from your love. Come, Lord Jesus, live in our hearts forever.

Hymn: Be Still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here... Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Our Lord Jesus Christ said: If you love me, you will keep my commandments.’ and ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, you were willing to lay down your life for us. You knew that the time was near. You spent your last days continuing to teach, to serve, to say and to do what was right and good. You washed the disciples’ feet. You humble us.

Forgive us for the times when we have denied you. Lord, have mercy.

Forgive us for failing to pass on your teaching. Christ, have mercy.

Forgive us for failing to serve you or to be ready to wash each others’ feet; for neglecting to say or do what is right and good. Lord, have mercy.

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer for the Day: God our Father, you have invited us to share in the supper which your Son gave to his Church to proclaim his death until he comes: may he nourish us by his presence, and unite us in his love; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Gospel reading: John 13:1-17, 31b-35

‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’

Lord, help us to follow you, and to keep this commandment. 

Hymn: Meekness and majesty, manhood and deity...

As we leave the room and walk toward the garden of Gethsemane, be with us as we are with you.

Please see the Message from the Minister. Our vigil begins.