Posted April 14, 2014

Used with permission of  Creighton University Online Ministries

Invitatory:

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail, we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings:

Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14; John 12:1-11

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Daily Meditation:

Strengthen and protect me in my weakness. We read the first Suffering Servant song in Isaiah. We imagine the powerful scene at Lazarus’ home – Jesus had wept as he peered into Lazarus’ tomb; now his sister Mary anoints Jesus’ feet for the journey to his own tomb.

Whatever we do today, we might memorize the simple Opening Prayer and personalize it, asking for the strength we need, the protection we depend upon, for our journey ahead.

I have called you for the victory of justice. I have grasped you by the hand. I formed you and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. – Isaiah 42

Intercessions:

Let us pray to Christ our Savior, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection: Lord, have mercy on us.

You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory, -bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven.

You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier’s lance, -heal our wounds.

You made the cross the tree of life, – give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.

On the cross you forgave the repentant thief, – forgive us our sins.

Closing Prayer:

God of love, My prayer is simple: Your son, Jesus, suffered and died for me. I know only that I cannot have real strength unless I rely on you. I cannot feel protected from my many weaknesses until I turn to you for forgiveness and your unalterable love. Help me to share this strength, protection and love with others.

Conclusion:

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen.