Meditation and Prayer for Holy Saturday
Some might regard the Saturday in Holy Week
as not very important.
A day of insignificance sandwiched between two great events.
But there’s something crucial about this gap.
Indeed, there’s something vital about all gaps.
Hymn for Good Friday
As Jesus walked to die,
he knew his time had come.
He sensed the pain, he saw
his hour was drawing near.
He could have stopped
and turned away,
without having
to taste such death.
But he then knew for sure,
there was no other way.
He had to give his life
for all who face judgement.
And on he went
for me and you,
that we might live
and never die.
As soldiers led him to
the place where he would die,
his eyes looked on the last
landscape, just moments left.
And there he stood,
naked and cold,
a cut and bruised
back from their whip.
They forced him on a cross,
nails drove into his wrists.
Lifted up high, struggling
to breathe, unbearable pain!
A crown of thorns
piercing his head,
a tear rolling
upon his cheek.
There did his body hang,
as though he was a thief.
His flesh torn out, his blood
dripping, the agony!
His greatest crime
is that he loves,
the world with all
his broken heart.
With his last few short breaths,
his heart could take no more,
he cried ‘My God, O why
have you forsaken me?’
He then collapsed,
the earth did quake,
and darkness fell
on all the land.
Jesus, you gave your life,
there is no greater love.
Help me to understand
and mourn your death for me.
You are my all,
my greatest friend,
and I am yours
eternally.
© Gary Hopkins 2004
Metre: 66 66 44 44
Suggested tune: Love unknown
Reflection of a Soldier on Good Friday
Have you ever felt your heart torn by some simple words?
I’ve never been affected by much,
well that was until this happened.
You see, I’m a soldier,
charged with the duty of defending the country,
doing whatever it is the leaders,
supposedly representing the people,
decide is important.
Hymn for Maundy Thursday
What did you feel, what did you say
When on the mount you prayed?
O child of God, so innocent,
Abandoned and dismayed.
Your tears of pain, your cries of hurt,
Crouched down in fervent prayer.
Did you desire to turn away?
Was it too much to bear?
Your flesh grew weak, your love grew strong;
Each whisper drenched in fear;
The darkened sky heard every word;
Your hour was looming near.
How did you know, what made you see
There was no other way?
The love of God was seeking out
The dawn of a new day.
You bowed your head, you cried ‘your will’,
Your mind was now made up:
How can it be your love for us
should mean this bitter cup?
© Gary Hopkins 2010
Metre: 86 86 (Common Metre)