Walking with Jesus through Holy Week, Five Minutes a Day
There’s so much to be done this week.
Choir practices to attend, Easter eggs to be made, Easter lunch to be planned. I still need to check the boys’ suits and our gowns. I’m hoping there’s no last-minute running around.
And yet, amid all the planning, I’ve felt an intense pull to slow down.
To actually live these days.
To walk with Jesus — intentionally and quietly — through this Holy Week.
So I’ve come up with a simple plan. One I know I can stick to even on a busy day. One that will take me just five minutes each morning.
And yet, it will gently draw my attention back to Jesus, through the day.
Finding Jesus in One Little Verse
During Lent, our Alleluias fall silent, saved up to burst forth on Easter morning.
In place of the Alleluia, we sing the Lenten Gospel Acclamation.
This is a brief refrain of praise, paired with a short verse.
It’s easy to miss this verse. But it holds the heart of the day’s gospel, and most importantly, it reveals a little about the person of Jesus to us.
This Holy Week, from Monday to Saturday, I’m taking that one verse each day, finding my Lord in it and reflecting on it. I’m letting it sink into my heart as I prepare meals, tutor my children, or work on my laptop.
And I’m pairing each verse with a simple prayer for that day.
I’d love for you to join me in this simple but heartfelt devotion.
Monday of Holy Week: Jesus, the Compassionate King
Verse before Gospel
Hail to you, our King!
You alone have had compassion on our sins.
Reflection & Prayer
Nothing is hidden from you, my Jesus. You know my heart through and through.
Yet, you respond to my sins with mercy and compassion. Not condemnation.
Jesus, my King,
Help me to come before you as I am,
without fear.
Teach me to trust in your mercy,
to rest in your forgiveness,
and to start again.
Amen.
Tuesday of Holy Week: Jesus, the Obedient Son
Verse before Gospel
Hail to you, our King!
Obedient to the Father
Reflection & Prayer
You knew exactly what you were saying yes to, Jesus. Oh how dreadful the anticipation of all that pain was! It caused you such agony just to think of it. Yet, despite it all, you obeyed your Father. You chose to do His will and You entrusted yourself to Him completely.
Jesus, loving Son of the Father,
Help me to see the Father as you do.
Even when I can’t see the road ahead,
help me trust in His provision
and unconditional love for me.
Teach me to come to Him
just like a child.
Amen.
Wednesday of Holy Week: Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart
Verse before Gospel
Hail to you, our King!
You were led to your crucifixion
as a meek lamb is led to the slaughter.
Reflection & Prayer
The God of all the universe, through whom all things were made. That is you, my Jesus. Yet, you submitted yourself silently to torture and death. For me.
Jesus, my Savior,
What can I say to you?
How can I thank you for loving me so much
that you silently accepted a punishment that wasn’t yours.
Today, I ask you to soften my heart.
Help me cultivate a gentle heart,
teach me to be patient and kind-hearted
especially when I am provoked.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Make my heart like unto thine.
Amen.
Coming soon: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Holy Saturday
I’ll be updating this post soon to reflect all the days of the Holy Week.
Bookmark this page and check back tomorrow.
In faith,
