Prayer for Holy Week #5

This is the final prayer in a series of Easter prayers, featuring photos from my friend’s recent trip to the Holy Land.  Today’s photo was taken at a tomb in Jerusalem. I have also incorporated the prompt “Empty” for today’s Five Minute Friday linkup.

Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode:

Jesus, I thank you

for the strength you displayed

that horrible Friday.

You endured the flogging

which killed many others,

then carried a heavy cross

with thorns pressed into your forehead.

After sweating drops of blood

and enduring a night without sleep

or comfort of any kind

your strength amazes me.

Jesus, I thank you

for being torn.

Your heart was torn in two

as you died on the cross

damaged with sorrow

well before the soldiers pierced you.

Your tearing

allowed the temple curtain

to be torn top to bottom:

never again

would we need a blood sacrifice

and a member of Aaron’s family

to allow us entrance

to the Holy of Holies.

Your tearing invited us

once and for all

to heaven’s mercy seat.

Your tearing amazes me.

Jesus, I thank you

for entering that tomb

for my sake.

For enduring the separation

from your Father

so I will never be forsaken.

I thank you for surprising us all

on that wonderful Sunday morning

by leaving that tomb empty

and showing yourself

to the women, then to your followers

that night, casting away their sorrow and fear

with your amazing presence.

Did you enjoy this prayer? Read the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth prayer in this series.

Questions for reflection:

How does Easter amaze you?

How can you thank Jesus today for what he did for you in his death and resurrection?

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