Knowing that his time to die had finally come – for him to leave the world and return to the Father’s throne – Jesus knew his death and resurrection were close by. At the Passover evening meal gathering, Jesus knew at that moment that the Father had given all things to him, that he had come from God and would return to God. At this time, he arose from supper, laid aside his outer garments, took a towel, and tied it around his waist. He poured water into a basin and started to wash his disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel wrapped around him. This would serve as a model of care and humility that every disciple should show others. A new command was given: to love each other as Jesus himself had loved them. This love demonstrated authentic spiritual rebirth, and would be a sign that a person truly knew God as Lord. Love for one another is now the commandment of God to his own.
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Almighty Father, whose dear Son on the night before he suffered did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same, in remembrance of him who in these holy mysteries giveth us a pledge of life eternal, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
~ 1928 American Prayer Book Revision, Commission, in BEC, No 38 (Geffen, p. 80)
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Chronological Holy Week Readings
Lectionary Readings
Psalm: Ps. 116.1-2, 12-19 OT: Exod. 12.1-14 Gospel: John 13.1-17, 31b-35
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
~ Scottish Prayer Book (Suter, p. 18)
Affirmation from the Psalms
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. [2] I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” [3] As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
~ Psalm 16.1-3
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Jesus, the servant is not greater than their Lord. If you washed the feet of your own, teach me to do the same here, where I live and work.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
By His Wounds We Are Healed
Isaiah 52.13-53.12