Good Friday is the holy day on which we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus. At First Church, we will observe this day with a simple time of scripture reading, prayer, and silence at noon. If you are unable to join us at church, we invite you to use this resource as a guide for observance at home. Below are just a few suggestions for practice, reading, meditation, and prayer; please draw from it as you see fit.
Monthly Archives: April 2011
Family Resources for Holy Week
Make a prayer table at home
Lent and Holy Week are a time of increased reflection and prayer and making new habits of prayer. A family prayer table invites the practice of prayer at home and is a physical reminder that God doesn’t “live” at church! You can use it as formally or casually as you wish. It is a place for shared family prayer/contemplation or individual time. Perhaps start a ritual of gathering at the table before or after dinner for a few moments of candle-lighting, prayers for the world, and shared quiet. The prayer table should include a few items to show that it is a special place:
Member Lenten Reflections: 7
Xan Laurence contributed her thoughts on prayer and an old hymn from childhood. Thank you, Xan…
My heart an altar?
I am not a prayer.
More accurately, I am not a pray-er. I am not one who prays, much, except in the “Please, God” sense – “Please, God, let me find a parking space”; “Please, God, let me not be late”; “Please, God, let me win the lottery”… Even an occasion which perhaps should have evoked a prayer – a narrowly avoided car crash – instead found me repeating, “Oh, $#!+, oh $#!+” for as long as it took to avoid hitting anything and regain control of my vehicle.
Member Lenten Reflections: 6
Jean Anderson wrote this piece on the meaning of prayer in her life. Thanks, Jean!
Paying Attention
Every night, when I lay me down to sleep, I say a prayer. There’s not much to it; for myself, I ask only for strength, courage, confidence, and other qualities I need but do not possess. I often add prayers for the survivors of devastating natural disasters, or for friends and family members who are going through difficult times. No matter how sleepy I am, and no matter where I am, I don’t skip this small nightly ritual. It would feel strange not to pray before sleep.
Member Lenten Reflections: 5
Maggie George wrote this piece about a powerful encounter with God’s presence.
It was a Dark and Stormy Night