THREE DAYS OF PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY WEEK – DAY ONE: THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

O Lord hear my prayers,
and let my cry come unto you

OPENING PRAYER

Eternal Father, source of all wisdom and love, You sent Your Son into the world not to do His own will, but to fulfil Yours perfectly. In the quiet town of Nazareth and in the agony of Gethsemane, He taught us the beauty of surrender. As we enter this time of spiritual preparation for Holy Week, open our hearts to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s obedience. May His total surrender inspire us to renounce self-will and pride. Instil in us the courage to say “yes” even when the path is narrow and filled with trials. Purify our intentions and give us a steadfast heart to choose Your will above all things (Add your intentions). We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5–11

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself…”

Meditation

Today, we contemplate the radical obedience of Christ. The eternal Word, co-equal with the Father, chose the path of submission and humility. His obedience was not robotic or mechanical; it was an act of supreme love. In becoming man, Christ embraced the full experience of human limitation and subjected Himself to the laws of nature, the rhythms of family life, and the suffering that accompanies a fallen world. In Gethsemane, we see the peak of this obedience: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Obedience in our world is often misunderstood as weakness. Yet, in Christ, obedience becomes a declaration of trust, love, and fidelity. Each time we choose God’s will over our own preferences, we participate in this mystery. Today, let us reflect: In what ways do I resist God’s will? How can I cultivate a deeper trust in Him?

Intercessory Prayers

1. For the grace to joyfully accept God’s will in our lives, especially when it contradicts our desires. R./ Lord hear our Prayers (Repeat after each invocation)
2. For all who are discerning their vocation in life – that they may be open to God’s voice.
3. For religious and clergy, that they may live their vows of obedience with joy and fidelity.
4. For Christian families, that mutual obedience and listening may strengthen their communion.
5. For those struggling with pride, rebellion, or self-will, that the humility of Christ may inspire conversion.
6. For world leaders and policymakers, that they may govern not for self-interest but in obedience to justice and truth.
7. For ourselves, that the Holy Spirit may help us recognize the daily invitations to obey in love.

(Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be)