To assist you in your meditations on Christ’s passion this Holy Week we will post this short order for private and family devotion each day. They will include Introit, Collect, and Readings for the day. You can listen to the audio for the linked readings if you click on the “play” button at the top left-hand corner of the ESV online webpage.

Note on the meaning of “Maundy”:  The name is taken from the first words sung at the ceremony of the washing of the feet, “I give you a new commandment” (John 13:34); also from the commandment of Christ that we should imitate His loving humility in the washing of the feet (John 13:14–17). The term mandatum (maundy), therefore, was applied to the rite of foot-washing on this day.”

INTROIT
Gracious is the LORD, and | righteous;*
our God is | merciful.

I love the LORD, because | he has heard*
my voice and my pleas for | mercy.

Because he inclined his | ear to me,*
therefore I will call on him as long | as I live.

The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid | hold on me;*
I suffered distress and | anguish.

Then I called on the name | of the LORD:*
“O LORD, I pray, deliv- | er my soul!”

Gracious is the LORD, and | righteous;*
our God is | merciful.

COLLECT
O Lord, in this wondrous Sacrament You have left us a remembrance of Your passion. Grant that we may so receive the sacred mystery of Your body and blood that the fruits of Your redemption may continually be manifest in us; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PSALM
Psalm 116:12-19 (ESV)

OLD TESTAMENT
Exodus 12:1-14 (ESV)

EPISTLE
1 Corinthians 11:23-32 (ESV)

GOSPEL
John 13:1-17, 31-35 (ESV)

MEDITATION
Maundy Thursday Homily by Rev. William Weedon
Rev. Weedon is LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis, MO

LORD’S PRAYER

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS AND OURSELVES
Suggested additional prayer for Thursday: For the holy catholic Church and her pastors; for teachers, deaconesses, musicians, and other church workers; for fruitful and proper use of the blessed Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood.

LUTHER’S MORNING PRAYER

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

-or-

LUTHER’S EVENING PRAYER

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.