We’re going to shift our regular rhythm to engage in Holy Week as we prepare for Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Our monthly retreat guide will be published after Easter to give you space to just be with Jesus as you look toward the cross. And there won’t be a monthly practice as usual, instead, I’m sharing the final week of the Lent guide.
You can use it to be with Jesus in real time as He journeys toward the cross. Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. I pray that it helps you encounter Jesus and His deep love for you.
Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, but feel free to pick up the journey in whatever way helps you make space to be with Jesus this week!
Palm Sunday: Read Matthew 21:1-17
Read this passage imaginatively. Start by asking the Holy Spirit to come and sanctify your imagination. Then, as you read the text, visualize it as if you were watching a movie. Pay attention to details: sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feelings of the event.
At some point, place yourself in the scene (as a character or an observer) and get to know Jesus there. After you read, talk to God about what stood out or struck you. Ask Him any questions you have. Listen. Wonder. Have a conversation. Then write down your thoughts or insights.
If it helps, here are some questions to ponder with God:
What emotions were you feeling, Jesus? What was beneath them?
What emotions am I currently feeling? What is beneath them?
Maundy Thursday: Read Matthew 26:17-75
Read this passage imaginatively. Put yourself in the scene. A disciple at the last supper. In the garden of Gesthemane. As Jesus is arrested. After you read, talk to God about what stood out or struck you. Ask Him any questions you have. Listen. Wonder. Have a conversation. Then write down your thoughts or insights.
If it helps, here are some questions to ponder with God:
Who or what were you drawn to in this passage? Who did you relate to?
Why do you think Jesus went to the Garden?
How can you be a friend to Jesus as He is betrayed and rejected and alone?
Good Friday: Read Mark 15:1-41
Read this passage imaginatively. Put yourself in the scene. Be with Jesus as He is crucified.
After you read, talk to God about what stood out or struck you. Ask Him any questions you have. Listen. Wonder. Have a conversation. Then write down your thoughts or insights.
If it helps, here are some questions to ponder with God:
What do you think Jesus was feeling here?
What are you feeling as you watch cruelty and injustice inflicted on your friend, Jesus?
Holy Saturday: Read Luke 23:56b
Read this passage imaginatively. This is a tiny bit of scripture with very little information given. But consider: this has been called the Longest Sabbath. Jesus’s mother and friends and disciples have lost their dearest friend and because of the customs of the Sabbath they can’t busy or distract themselves with work or activities. Imagine what that day might have been like for them.
After you read, talk to God about what stood out or struck you. Ask Him any questions you have. Listen. Wonder. Have a conversation. Then write down your thoughts or insights.
If it helps, here are some questions to ponder with God:
What might they have felt, thought, or questioned during that very long Sabbath day?
What would that long day have been like for you?
Resurrection Sunday: Read John 20:1-18
Read this passage imaginatively. Put yourself in the scene. As Mary or Peter or John, approaching the tomb. Finding it open. The confusion. And then seeing Jesus, alive.
After you read, talk to God about what stood out or struck you. Ask Him any questions you have. Listen. Wonder. Have a conversation. Then write down your thoughts or insights.
If it helps, here are some questions to ponder with God:
Who or what were you drawn to in this passage? Who did you relate to?
Why didn’t Mary recognize Jesus?
Where have you missed the presence of Jesus? How might you recognize and celebrate His presence today, on Easter?
Some quick links:
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If you’re ready to schedule a meeting, you can do so here. (Remember, first sessions are free for subscribers of spacemaking!)
If you’re interested in retreats, you can get more info here.
And may you encounter the God who loves you as you make space in your schedule and your soul!