You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. (Psalms 16:11)
It was early on a Saturday morning. I was headed to Steven’s Point to attend the Laity Convocation. I had driven this same road many times and was pretty confident I knew where I was going. But for some reason, I had the nudge to turn on my GPS. As I did, to my surprise, I was told to make a right turn in two miles.
Obedient to the directions, I made the turn. This route was shorter, and my speed was slower. I was blessed with beautiful landscapes of glittering snow, glistening trees, soaring eagles, and open glorious fields. It was an invitation to offer God my gratitude for the beauty, embrace the quieter route and enjoy this moment.
I have been pondering, reflecting, and exploring this experience. How often have I known the destination and just went to it on autopilot? I pay attention to the road traffic but am in such a hurry to get where I need to go that I miss the joy of the trip.
As we enter this Holy Week, filled with Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, it is often too easy to go on autopilot. We have been here before; we know where we are going, and we will take the road we have always driven.
Here is the invitation to take a different road that is less familiar on this journey through Holy Week.
I invite you to a Scripture and prayer plan for Holy Week:
- Palm Sunday: Read and pray through Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11)
- Monday: Begin reading the account of Jesus’ final week in John. Today, read and pray through Jesus’ anointing at Bethany, when Mary pours perfume on his head (John 12:1-11)
- Tuesday: Read and pray through Jesus’ prediction of his death (John 12:20-36)
- Wednesday: Read and pray through Jesus’ prediction of his betrayal (John 13:21-30)
- Thursday: Read and pray through the Last Supper (John 13:1-17, 31-35) and Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-45)
- Friday: Read and pray through Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion (John 18:28-19:37)
- Saturday: Read and pray through the burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-66)
- Sunday: Read and pray through the resurrection of Jesus (John 20:1-18)
May we be intentional about taking a different path this Holy Week, allowing us to hear and see God in new ways. Amen.
(https://www.prayerandpossibilities.com/ideas-holy-week-activities/)