Prayers for Holy Week 2023

Join us in prayer this Easter as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For each day in Holy Week, we have chosen a bible verse for personal reflection and written a short prayer.

Palm Sunday, 2^nd April

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.” (Luke 19:37)

Father God, as we remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem not on a warhorse but on a donkey, we pray for peace in the world today. We especially pray for CBM’s project working with people with disabilities in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh, a camp for Rohingya refugees, forced by conflict from their homes in Myanmar.

Monday, 3^rd April

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Father, we pray today for those affected by the earthquake in Indonesia in November last year. Thank you for CBM’s partners there, providing vital support to people who were hit hardest by the earthquake. We pray for all those who are rebuilding their homes and lives – especially those who have been bereaved.

Tuesday, 4^th April

“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’ ” (Mark 12:43-44)

Jesus, as we walk through Holy Week we remember the widow’s offering of two small coins, which was great in your eyes. We are glad that you know our hearts, and that our attitude in giving matters more than the size of our gift. Please help us to be generous with what you have given to us.

Wednesday, 5^th April

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

God, we thank you for the mother who said, “I did not know that there are people in this world that can help you without wanting anything in return” after her son was treated for bow legs at CoRSU, a CBM-supported hospital in Uganda last year. We thank you for the joy of helping others without wanting anything in return, and for the many CBM supporters who make this work possible.

Maundy Thursday, 6^th April

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15) 

Today, Lord, we remember today the Passover meal, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Thank you that no one is beneath your notice. We pray today for CBM’s work with the world’s poorest people, so often forgotten by the communities around them – but never forgotten by you.

Good Friday, 7^th April

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

This Good Friday we remember and reflect upon the death of Jesus on the cross. We thank you, Jesus, for being willing to lay down your life for others. We pray that you would help us to be ready and willing to serve others, showing your love in action to all people.

Holy Saturday, 8^th April

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Father, as we mark the day between Jesus’ death and resurrection when all seemed lost, we pray for the many men, women and children who are struggling with mental health challenges, and for the many CBM projects across the world reaching out to support them.

Easter Sunday, 9^th April

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)

Father, on this Easter Sunday we rejoice that Jesus rose from the grave, conquering sin, death and darkness. We thank you for the family of believers in CBM and across the world and thank you for the new life you give us in Jesus. Amen.

Have a wonderful Easter from all at CBM UK!

We believe in the power of prayer to transform the lives of people with disabilities living in the world’s poorest places. Join CBM supporters around the world by sharing a daily moment of prayer with us, using our Prayer Diary. Sign up to receive a copy of our Prayer Diary in the post here.