Maundy Thursday
On Maundy Thursday the church remembers the last evening Jesus shared with his disciples in the upper room before his arrest and crucifixion. Maundy Thursday marks three key events in Jesus’ last week: his washing of his disciples’ feet, his institution of the Lord’s Supper, and his new commandment to love one another. WS2
Antiphon1
Ant. Unto you, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul; *
O my God, I trust in you, let me not be put to shame;
do not allow my enemies to laugh at me;
for none of those who are awaiting you will be disappointed.
V. Guide me in your truth, and teach me; †
for you are the God of my salvation. *
I have hoped in you all day long.
We have seen and do testify
that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.
God abides in those who confess
that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God.
So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God,
and God abides in them.
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
the Jesus we remember tonight is the Savior of the world.
In Christ we are forgiven.
And through him God abides with even us.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! cf. 1 John 4:14-16
Music: https://tinyurl.com/ufxekitx
God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
HYMN: Samuel Crossman
Tune: Love Unknown https://tinyurl.com/yc7y4vud
1 My song is love unknown–
my Savior’s love to me;
love to the loveless shown,
that they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I, that for my sake
my Lord should take frail flesh and die?
2 He came from His blest throne
salvation to bestow;
but men made strange, and none
the longed for Christ would know.
But oh, my Friend, my Friend indeed,
who at my need His life did spend!
3 Sometimes they strew His way,
and His sweet praises sing;
resounding all the day
hosannas to their King.
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
and for His death they thirst and cry.
4 Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run;
He gave the blind their sight.
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
themselves displease,
and ‘gainst Him rise.
5 They rise, and needs will have
my dear Lord made away.
A murderer they save;
the Prince of Life they slay.
Yet cheerful He to suff’ring goes,
that He His foes from thence might free.
6 In life, no house, no home
my Lord on earth might have;
in death, no friendly tomb
but what a stranger gave.
What may I say? Heav’n was His home;
but mine the tomb wherein He lay.
7 Here might I stay and sing–
no story so divine!
Never was love, dear King,
never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.
PSALMS
Psalm 132 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/tv4ygfu)
1 Lord, remember David *
and all his trouble;
2 How he sware unto the Lord *
and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob;
3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house *
nor climb up into my bed;
4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye-lids to slumber *
neither the temples of my head to take any rest;
5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord *
an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
6 Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata *
and found it in the wood.
7 We will go into his tabernacle *
and fall low on our knees before his footstool.
8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place *
thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness *
and let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
10 For thy servant David’s sake *
turn not away the presence of thine Anointed.
11 The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David *
and he shall not shrink from it;
12 Of the fruit of thy body *
shall I set upon thy seat.
13 If thy children will keep my covenant,
and my testimonies that I shall learn them *
their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore.
14 For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for himself *
he hath longed for her.
15 This shall be my rest for ever *
here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.
16 I will bless her victuals with increase *
and will satisfy her poor with bread.
17 I will deck her priests with health *
and her saints shall rejoice and sing.
18 There shall I make the horn of David to flourish *
I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed.
19 As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame *
but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 133 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/tlrm8lu)
1 Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is *
brethren, to dwell together in unity !
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head,
that ran down unto the beard *
even unto Aaron’s beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing.
3 Like as the dew of Hermon *
which fell upon the hill of Sion.
4 For there the Lord promised his blessing *
and life for evermore.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 134 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/v5kga57)
1 Behold now, praise the Lord *
all ye servants of the Lord;
2 Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord *
even in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary *
and praise the Lord.
4 The Lord that made heaven and earth *
give thee blessing out of Sion.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 135 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/w3blm5w)
1 O praise the Lord, laud ye the Name of the Lord *
praise it, O ye servants of the Lord;
2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord *
in the courts of the house of our God.
3 O praise the Lord, for the Lord is gracious *
O sing praises unto his Name, for it is lovely.
4 For why? the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself *
and Israel for his own possession.
5 For I know that the Lord is great *
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth *
and in the sea, and in all deep places.
7 He bringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world *
and sendeth forth lightnings with the rain,
bringing the winds out of his treasures.
8 He smote the first-born of Egypt *
both of man and beast.
9 He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee,
O thou land of Egypt *
upon Pharaoh, and all his servants.
10 He smote divers nations *
and slew mighty kings;
11 Sehon king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Basan *
and all the kingdoms of Canaan;
12 And gave their land to be an heritage *
even an heritage unto Israel his people.
13 Thy Name, O Lord, endureth for ever *
so doth thy memorial, O Lord, from one generation to another.
14 For the Lord will avenge his people *
and be gracious unto his servants.
15 As for the images of the heathen, they are but silver and gold *
the work of men’s hands.
16 They have mouths, and speak not *
eyes have they, but they see not.
17 They have ears, and yet they hear not *
neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18 They that make them are like unto them *
and so are all they that put their trust in them.
19 Praise the Lord, ye house of Israel *
praise the Lord, ye house of Aaron.
20 Praise the Lord, ye house of Levi *
ye that fear the Lord, praise the Lord.
21 Praised be the Lord out of Sion *
who dwelleth at Jerusalem.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 132 (LSB Tone G: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-132-LSB.mp3)
1 Remember, O LORD, in David’s favor,*
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the LORD*
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 “I will not enter my house*
or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes*
or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD,*
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;*
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 “Let us go to his dwelling place;*
let us worship at his footstool!”
8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,*
you and the ark of your might.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,*
and let your saints shout for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,*
do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:*
“One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them,*
their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.”
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion;*
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14 “This is my resting place forever;*
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless her provisions;*
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation,*
and her saints will shout for joy.
17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David;*
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,*
but on him his crown will shine.”
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Psalm 133 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-133.mp3)
1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
when brethren live together in unity!
2 It is like fine oil upon the head *
that runs down upon the beard,
3 Upon the beard of Aaron, *
and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
4 It is like the dew of Hermon *
that falls upon the hills of Zion.
5 For there the LORD has ordained the blessing: *
life for evermore.
Psalm 134 (LSB Tone D: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-134-LSB.mp3)
1 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,*
who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place*
and bless the LORD!
3 May the LORD bless you from Zion,*
he who made heaven and earth!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Psalm 135 (Jason Silver: https://tinyurl.com/x69vtdh3)
Praise the Lord!
Praise the name of the Lord;
Give praise, O servants of the Lord,
You who stand in the house of the Lord,
In the courts of His temple.
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
Sing to his name, for he is gracious.
For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
For I know that the Lord is great;
Our Lord is above all gods.
Whatever the Lord pleases, so he does,
In heaven and on earth, in the ocean deep.
It is He who makes clouds to rise
Makes lightning, wind, and rain
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt…
Against Pharaoh and his servants.
Praise the Lord!
Praise the name of the Lord;
Give praise, O servants of the Lord,
You who stand in the house of the Lord,
In the courts of His temple.
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
Sing to his name, for he is gracious.
For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
He struck down many nations and
Killed many kings and rulers
And gave their land as a heritage,
A heritage to God’s people, Israel.
Your name, Lord, endures for ever,
Your fame throughout all time.
The Lord will defend his people,
Have compassion on his servants.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
The work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
Have eyes, but do not see; have ears, but do not hear,
Those who make them, who trust them
Shall become like them!
O house of Israel, bless the Lord!
O house of Aaron, bless the Lord!
O house of Levi, bless the Lord!
O you that fear the Lord, bless the Lord!
Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
He who resides in Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
PRAYER
God of mystery and power,
open our eyes to the fire of your love,
and open our ears to the thunder of your justice,
that we may receive your gifts of blessing and peace,
to the glory of your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the person who seeks him.
It’s good to wait in silence for the Lord’s deliverance.
It’s good for a man to carry a yoke in his youth.
He should sit alone and be silent when God lays it on him.
He should put his mouth in the dirt—perhaps there is hope.
He should offer his cheek for a blow; he should be filled with shame.
My Lord definitely won’t reject forever.
Although he has caused grief,
he will show compassion in measure with his covenant loyalty.
He definitely doesn’t enjoy affliction, making humans suffer.
Now crushing underfoot all the earth’s prisoners,
denying someone justice before the Most High,
subverting a person’s lawsuit—doesn’t my Lord see all this?
Who ever spoke and it happened if my Lord hadn’t commanded the same?
From the mouth of the Most High evil things don’t come, but rather good!
Why then does any living person complain; why should anyone complain about their sins?
We must search and examine our ways; we must return to the Lord.
We should lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.
We are the ones who did wrong; we rebelled. But you, God, have not forgiven.
You wrapped yourself up in wrath and hunted us; you killed, showing no compassion.
You wrapped yourself up in a cloud; prayers can’t make it through!
You made us trash and garbage in front of all other people.
All our enemies have opened their mouths against us.
Terror and trap have come upon us, catastrophe and collapse!
Streams of water pour from my eyes
because of the destruction of the daughter of my people.
My eyes flow and don’t stop. There is no relief
until the Lord looks down from the heavens and notices.
My eyes hurt me because of what’s happened to my city’s daughters.
My enemies hunted me down like a bird, relentlessly, for no reason.
They caught me alive in a pit and threw stones at me;
water flowed over my head. I thought: I’m finished.
I call on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit.
Hear my voice. Don’t close your ear to my need for relief, to my cry for help.
Come near to me on the day I call to you. Say to me, “Don’t be afraid.”
My Lord! Plead my desperate case; redeem my life.
Lord, look at my mistreatment; judge my cause.
Look at all of my enemies’ vengeance, all of their scheming against me.
Hear their jeering, Lord, all of their scheming against me,
the speech of those who rise up against me, their incessant gossiping about me.
Whether sitting or standing, look at how I am the object of their song of ridicule.
Pay them back fully, Lord, according to what they have done.
Give them a tortured mind—put your curse on them!
Angrily hunt them down; wipe them out from under the Lord’s heaven.
HYMN: Joseph Addison
Tune: Durham https://tinyurl.com/46mp3z6a
1 When all thy mercies, O my God,
my rising soul surveys,
transported with the view, I’m lost
in wonder, love, and praise.
2 Ten thousand thousand precious gifts
my daily thanks employ,
nor is the least a cheerful heart,
that tastes those gifts with joy.
3 Through ev’ry period of my life
thy goodness I’ll pursue,
and after death in distant worlds,
The glorious theme renew.
4″Through all eternity, to thee
a joyful song I’ll raise,
but, oh, eternity’s too short
to utter all thy praise!
READING: Revelation 22:12-21
“Look! I’m coming soon. My reward is with me, to repay all people as their actions deserve. I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Favored are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right of access to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, the drug users and spell-casters, those who commit sexual immorality, the murderers, the idolaters, and all who love and practice deception.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to bear witness to all of you about these things for the churches. I’m the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who is thirsty come! Let the one who wishes receive life-giving water as a gift.”
Now I bear witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy contained in this scroll: If anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues that are written in this scroll. If anyone takes away from the words of this scroll of prophecy, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this scroll.
The one who bears witness to these things says, “Yes, I’m coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
HYMN: Fanny Crosby
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/4ps8xpa4
1 Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
2 Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me. [Refrain]
3 Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o’er me. [Refrain]
4 Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river. [Refrain]
Early in the morning all the chief priests and the elders of the people reached the decision to have Jesus put to death. They bound him, led him away, and turned him over to Pilate the governor.
When Judas, who betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned to die, he felt deep regret. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, and said, “I did wrong because I betrayed an innocent man.” But they said, “What is that to us? That’s your problem.” Judas threw the silver pieces into the temple and left. Then he went and hanged himself.
The chief priests picked up the silver pieces and said, “According to the Law it’s not right to put this money in the treasury. Since it was used to pay for someone’s life, it’s unclean.” So they decided to use it to buy the potter’s field where strangers could be buried. That’s why that field is called “Field of Blood” to this very day. This fulfilled the words of Jeremiah the prophet: And I took the thirty pieces of silver, the price for the one whose price had been set by some of the Israelites, and I gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.
Jesus was brought before the governor. The governor said, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “That’s what you say.” But he didn’t answer when the chief priests and elders accused him. Then Pilate said, “Don’t you hear the testimony they bring against you?” But he didn’t answer, not even a single word. So the governor was greatly amazed.
It was customary during the festival for the governor to release to the crowd one prisoner, whomever they might choose. At that time there was a well-known prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. When the crowd had come together, Pilate asked them, “Whom would you like me to release to you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” He knew that the leaders of the people had handed him over because of jealousy.
While he was serving as judge, his wife sent this message to him, “Leave that righteous man alone. I’ve suffered much today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and kill Jesus. The governor said, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” “Barabbas,” they replied.
Pilate said, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify him!” But he said, “Why? What wrong has he done?” They shouted even louder, “Crucify him!”
Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was starting. So he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I’m innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It’s your problem.” All the people replied, “Let his blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus whipped, then handed him over to be crucified.
CANTICLE 1 Corinthians 13 (The Porter’s Gate)
(https://tinyurl.com/6xud2ure)
Love is patient, love is kind
It has no arrogance or pride
It seeks the good of others first
It keeps no record of wrong or hurt
It finds no joy in wickedness
But rejoices in the truth
Through it all, it will endure
Love will never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never fail
Though all prophecy will cease
Though all knowledge, it will fade
Oh, an end will come to speech
Even death will pass away
We will see You face to face
And Your mercy will prevail
Faith and hope they will remain, oh-oh
Love will never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never failLove, love, will never fail
Love, love, will never fail
Never, never, love will never fail (Love, love, will never fail)
Never, never, oh, love will never fail (Love, love, will never fail)
Never, never, love will never fail (Love, love, will never fail)
Never, never, love will never fail (Love, love, will never fail)
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never fail
THE PRAYERS WS2
God of love,
it is because of your immense love for us that
you stooped to be our servant and willingly suffered to give us life.
For that love we give you thanks.
We also praise you for the way that love is evidenced
in creation . . .
in our community . . .
in our church . . .
in our lives . . .
in the events of this Holy Week . . .
God of love,
you have given us a new command to love each other.
Help us to show that love
in our care of creation . . .
to the nations of the world . . .
to our nation and its leaders . . .
in this community . . .
through the church universal . . .
through this local church in its ministry . . .
to persons with particular needs . . .
In all our thoughts and actions
may we be your servants and reflect your love.
We pray this in the name of your servant Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you forever. Amen.
(Plainsong Mode 2: https://tinyurl.com/yctqq8cf)DL
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread of life;
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you stretched out your arms of love
on the hard wood of the cross
that everyone might come
within the reach of your saving embrace:
So clothe us in your Spirit
that we, reaching forth our hands in love,
may bring those who do not know you
to the knowledge and love of you,
for the honor of your name. Amen. Charles Henry Brent
Music: https://tinyurl.com/y9efvwm5
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 2 Cor. 13:14
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BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
DL © Daniel Lawson; used with permission.
WS2 The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd edition, © 2013, Faith Alive Christian Resources
The main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.
The traditional version of the psalms is from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern version is from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) and is sung by Ryland Angel.
Musical links are usually either to artists’ albums posted on Spotify or to recordings made available at smallchurchmusic.com. Audio stripped from YouTube videos is footnoted accordingly above.
Compilation © 2024 Stephen T. Benner. All links worked at the time they were created, but I cannot accept responsibility for their content or any damage resulting from their use. The linked content is under the control of the respective content creators and is subject to change at any time. Any copyright texts included in this compilation are provided for non-commercial purposes related to study or worship. Please contact the respective copyright holders for permission to use the texts in other contexts.
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