Pupils from Holy Cross School in Plymouth have written prayers and painted images reflecting on the events of this upcoming Holy week, from the joy of Palm Sunday, through the sorrow of Good Friday, to the quiet waiting before the celebration of Easter. Their words offer a simple yet profound reminder of the patience, trust and hope to which we are called as we prepare our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection.
Dear Jesus,
This is Holy Week.
We remember how You rode into Jerusalem
and people waved palm branches and shouted,
“Hosanna!”
We remember how You shared a special meal
with Your friends
and showed them how to love.
We remember that You carried a heavy cross
and gave Your life
because You love us so much.
Sometimes it feels sad
to think about Good Friday.
Help me not to rush past it.
Help me wait.
When I feel impatient,
teach me to trust You.
When I feel sad,
remind me You are near.
When I don’t understand,
help me believe.
As we wait for Easter morning,
fill my heart with hope.
Thank You for loving me.
Thank You for staying with us.
Thank You that Easter joy is coming.
Amen.
Dear God,
As we reach the final week of Lent,
we know Holy Week is beginning.
We remember the cheers of Palm Sunday,
the quiet meal of Maundy Thursday,
the sadness of Good Friday,
and the waiting of Saturday.
This is a week of waiting.
Waiting can feel hard.
We wait for answers.
We wait for change.
We wait for things to get better.
Help us to understand
that waiting is not wasted time.
In the waiting,
grow patience in us.
In the silence,
grow trust in us.
In the sadness,
grow hope in us.
When we feel unsure,
remind us that You are working
even when we cannot see it.
As we walk through this Holy Week,
help us stay thoughtful,
kind,
and brave.
Prepare our hearts for Easter joy,
and teach us to trust You
while we wait.
Amen.