Monday: Apr 18 Am: Psalm 51, 69:1-23 Jer 12:1-16

Pm; Phil 3:1-14, John 12:9-19

Meditation & Fasting throughout the Holy Week 2011
Purpose: To gain a greater insight and understanding of Christ and his suffering to
bring us to salvation, so that I might have a stronger relationship with Jesus and be
a more effective minister of the gospel message.
Recommendations:
• Before reading: start with prayer
• Take time out in the morning to read O.T verses and N.T verses in the
evening. (Try and do at least one reading “again” with your spouse or family
and discuss together)
• Be sure to write your thoughts down in a journal or notebook for future
reflection.
• Finish the readings with your own prayer and/or the closing prayer (listed)
and by praying over and thanking God for what you have learned.
Questions to ask when reading through the Scriptures
• What insight do the verses give into who Jesus is?
• Does the verse tell you about the character of Jesus?
• What are the personal challenges that you get from the verses?
• How will the verses impact your life if applied?
• How does the verse relate to Christs death on the cross?
Guide to Fasting:
Option 1 – Fast by missing 1 meal per your day.
Option 2 - Fast by only having 1 meal per day.
Option 3 - Fast by only having liquids during the day.
Option 4 – Choose a combination of the above.
Prayer: God of steadfast love, light of the blind and liberator of the oppressed, we
see your holy purpose in the tender compassion of Jesus, who calls us into new and
living friendship with you. May we, who take shelter in the shadow of your wings, be
filled with the grace of his tender caring; may we, who stumble in selfish darkness,
see your glory in the light of his self-giving. We ask this through him whose suffering
is victorious, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Tuesday: Apr 19 Am: Psalm 6, Psalm 94, Jer 15:10-21
Pm; Phil 3:15-21 John 12:20-26
Prayer: Holy and immortal God, you have named us and called us into discipleship.
Teach us to follow the One whose light scatters the darkness of our world, that we
may walk as children of the light. Amen.
Wednesday: Apr 20 Am: Psalm 55, Psalm 74, Jer 17:5-10, 14-17
Pm: Phil 4:1-13 John 12:27-36
Prayer: Christ our God, your love is poured out in death for our sakes. Hold us in
your embrace as we wait for resurrection's dawn. Comfort us with the promise that
no power on earth, not even death itself, can separate us from your love; and
strengthen us to wait until you are revealed to us in all your risen glory. Amen.
Thursday: Apr 21 Am: Psalm 102, Psalm 142 – 143, Jer 20:7-11
Pm: 1 Cor 10:14-17, 11:27-32 John 17
Prayer: Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your son established a new covenant
for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant
that by the power of your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again
to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies. Amen.
Good Friday: Apr 22 Am: Psalm 95, 22, Psalm 40, 54 Gen 22:1-14
Before Passover Meal: 1 Pet 1:10-20 am: Jn 13:36-38.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, on the cross your Son Jesus embraced death even as he
had embraced life: faithfully and with good courage. Grant that we who have been
born out of his sacrifice may hold fast to our faith in him, and may find mercy in all
times of need. Amen.
Passover Meal: GP Building Mawson Lakes, 6.00 – 7.30pm.

Fasting options are suggestions only, please ensure that you seek authorised medical advice from your GP or Specialist if you are unsure of the effects fasting will have if you are already taking
medication or are on a treatment plan.