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Ways to keep the Vigil

Join the prayer at any time from the end of the Maundy Thursday Service to the beginning of the Good Friday Service.

  • God our Father,
    your Son Jesus Christ was obedient to the end and drank the cup prepared for him:
    may we who share his table
    watch with him through the night of suffering and be faithful. Amen.

  • Read through the Passion Story from one of the Gospels.

  • In the power of the Spirit let us pray to the Father through Christ the saviour of the world.

    Father,
    on this, the night he was betrayed, your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet. We commit ourselves to follow his example of love and service.

    Lord, hear us
    and humble us.

    On this night, he prayed for his disciples to be one. We pray for the unity of your Church.

    Lord, hear us 
    and unite us.

    On this night, he prayed for those who were to believe through his disciples’ message. We pray for the mission of your Church.

    Lord, hear us
    and renew our zeal.

    On this night, he commanded his disciples to love, but suffered rejection himself. We pray for the rejected and unloved.

    Lord, hear us
    and fill us with your love.

    On this night, he reminded his disciples that if the world hated them it hated him first.

    We pray for those who are persecuted for their faith.

    Lord, hear us
    and give us your peace.

    On this night, he accepted the cup of death and looked forward to the new wine of the kingdom.

    We remember those who have died in the peace of Christ.

    Lord, hear us and welcome all your children into paradise.

  • Even the practice of staying awake can be a way into the story and the struggle to wait with Jesus in this hour.

The purpose of a Maundy Thursday Prayer Vigil

In essence, the Maundy Thursday Vigil allows Christians to be present with Jesus during a pivotal moment in his journey, acknowledge his sacrifice, and prepare their hearts for the significance of Easter. 

The meaning of a Maundy Thursday Prayer Vigil

The Maundy Thursday Vigil is a time for Christians to contemplate, reflect, and accompany Jesus during the final hours before his crucifixion. It's a period of solemn waiting during Holy Week.

  • The vigil reflects a time of immense emotional and spiritual distress for Jesus. After the Last Supper, he knew his fate and the weight of his sacrifice. The disciples' sleep during his pleas for companionship is a stark reminder of his isolation.

  • By staying awake in prayerful reflection, participants symbolically stay with Jesus during his difficult hours.

  • The vigil serves as a bridge between the Last Supper, representing love and new beginnings, and the harsh reality of Jesus' suffering on Good Friday.

  • The quiet contemplation allows participants to connect with Jesus on a deeper level, appreciating the gravity of his sacrifice and its significance for their faith.

  • Reflecting on Jesus' teachings, particularly love and selflessness, serves as a prompt for personal reflection and a renewed commitment to following his path.

  • The vigil fosters a sense of shared experience and spiritual support within the Christian community.