Use this video to guide you through tonight’s devotion and/or use the liturgy below. To do this liturgy on your own, you will need an unadorned candle. Light the candle, then begin the liturgy. If you do not have a candle, you can simple follow along with the video or read the liturgy to yourself. The music at the end of this post is not included in the devotional video so as to abide by proper copyright usage.
Liturgy for Home Devotions
As we enter Holy Week, shadows lengthen. As we count down the days till the breaking dawn of resurrection morning, we pause to bear witness to the growing darkness around us as we read of Jesus’ persecution, execution, and death.
Tonight we face the shadows, some of us alone. May we have courage, never lose hope, and not be afraid of the dark.
May we with the Psalmist declare:
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Should I fear anyone?
The Lord is a fortress protecting my life.
Should I be frightened of anything?
(Psalm 27:1, Common English Bible)
Tonight we face the shadow of sorrow.
Reading: John 19:25-27
25 Jesus’ mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood near the cross.26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother,“Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Prayer
Loving Jesus,
we carry the weight of the people we love, concern for their sorrows and suffering. Our care for them is deep, and sometimes there is not much we can do. Come alongside us in the darkness, and cradle the ones we love in your strong hands.