Over the last several weeks, we have journeyed together through the patterns that lead us back to God — conviction, confession, repentance, and forgiveness. Now, we have arrived at Holy Week, the time that marks Jesus’ final days on earth. 

This week we will soak in Scripture and contemplation. Each day you will receive a Scripture passage. Read it 3 times aloud pausing in between to rest in God’s presence. You may feel invited to journal or pray. You will close with a time of intercessory prayer for our community, our world, our church, and our personal concerns. It is our hope that, through this weeklong practice, the Daily Habit community will experience God in new ways as we journey with Christ to the cross.

Center yourself on today’s reflection by lighting a candle and reciting this breath prayer:
Inhale – Speak, Lord
Exhale – for your servants are listening.

Reflection Practice:

  • Read the passage three times aloud.
  • In between each reading, pause and meditate on the words that stuck out to you, and rest in God’s presence.

John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

Prayer:
We name aloud those who suffer or are in trouble… bring them healing and restoration.

We name aloud the needs of this local community… provide resources, peace, and resolution.

We name aloud the concerns of the world, its people, and its leaders… pour out your Spirit.

We name aloud the concerns of our hearts… hear our prayer.

Almighty God, whose most dear Son first suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Teach us to walk in the way of the cross. May we find in it the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.