This week’s prayer bead devotion is based on the events of Holy Week and Christ’s last days on earth. It is based on thoughts from Henri J. M. Nouwen’s Lenten devotional, Show Me the Way.
Cross: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Invitatory Bead: “You have the poor with you always, you will not always have me.” (John 12:8 NIV)
1st Cruciform Bead: Jesus, our Lord, we wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna” as we welcome you into Jerusalem, and though you already know how soon our hearts will turn against you, yet still you have compassion for us:
1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to confess the times when you have turned your heart against Jesus.
2nd Cruciform Bead: Jesus, the Christ, we desert you and betray you in your hour of need, and though you have the power to choose another path, yet you accept your Father’s will with strong determination:
2nd set of Week Beads: use each bead to confess the times when you have deserted or betrayed Jesus.
3rd Cruciform Bead: Jesus, Son of God, we mock you and torture you, inflicting unspeakable pain on you when you have done nothing to deserve it, and yet, still, you ask God to forgive us:
3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to confess the times in which you have mocked Jesus or caused him pain.
4th Cruciform Bead: Jesus, our Redeemer, we crucify you and leave you hanging on a cross, yet still you love us:
4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to pray for mercy from God.
Invitatory Bead: recite the Lord’s Prayer
Cross: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
