Maundy Thursday Prayer Stations

So, I'm sure most people have there Maundy Thursday stuff all sewn up, but I wanted to share what we are doing tonight!
Most of these were inspired by others, and I will link to their pages.

#1. Bringing People Together

Think about the places in the world where there is war or disagreement between people. Maybe you know people who are arguing, or maybe you are at odds with someone yourself.

Unzip the zippers to show how people can easily let differences come between them.

Read Matthew 5: 23-24

 ²³ So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister^[i] has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,^[j] and then come and offer your gift.

Pray that God would bring the two sides together so that they may live in peace.

As you pray, do up the zipper as a sign of your prayer.

(From flamecreativekids )

#2. Bearing Burdens

Psalm 55:22 (NRSV)

²² Cast your burden^[a] on the Lord,
    and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
    the righteous to be moved.

1 Peter 5:7 (NRSV)

⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

If we believe these scriptures why do we doubt God’s will in our lives? If God has promised to sustain us, why do we worry?

Take a moment and look at the card before you.

It reads “Not my will, but yours be done.” What situation, decision or issue do you need to give over to God? Where do you need to ask for God’s will to be done in your life?

On the back of the card write down what you need to leave at the cross of Jesus. Pray to God, asking for God’s will to be done.

Tape the sign to the cross with the words “Not my will, but yours be done” showing.

Leave your burden behind.

(From crosspointing )

#3. Prayerful Words

Sometimes it can be difficult to find the words to pray.

We feel they are not enough, not holy enough, not biblical enough, not good enough. Rest assured that it is not the quantity or even quality of the words you use. God hears all of our prayers.

Psalm 54:2 (NRSV)

² Hear my prayer, O God;
    give ear to the words of my mouth.

Take a look at the words in front of you.

Select them and place them on the tray to make your own prayer to God. If you need an additional word there are some blank pieces that you may write your word on with the dry erase markers provided.

Pray your prayer to God.

You may choose to leave your prayer or remove it.

(From flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.uk )

#4. Bible Blackout

Select one of the passages of scripture provided for you.

Psalm 22

John 6:35-59

Read through this passage slowly, looking at each word. Sometimes when we read scripture or hear it certain words stand out to us.

Re-read this passage. Draw a square around the words that stand out to you with a fine point sharpie. Then use the chisel point to black out the other words. In essence you are creating your own prayer from this scripture, or your own view of what is speaking to you today.

Read over what you have created.

Thank God for the opportunity to engage with scripture in this way and offer up anything else that may be on your heart.

(From pomomusings )

#5 Worry Not

In Jesus’ teachings, the subject of worry comes up and He asks, “And which of you, by worrying, can add a single day to your life?” The answer is obviously no one!

He then looks around the hillside where everyone is sitting and sees the birds and flowers and tells everyone that if God takes care of these things, how much more God wants to take care of us. (Luke 12:22-29)

Take a tablet of Alka-Seltzer in your hand and think of the things you are worried about right now.

Drop the tablet into the bowl of water. Watch the bubbles rise to the top as the tablet dissolves, as you let your worries dissolve.

As you watch, pray to God, giving up those worries one by one.

When finished, ask God to help you to trust in him.

(From creativeprayer )

# 6. Foot Washing

For this station I will wash the first person's feet and then ask them to wash the next person's feet. There will also be the option of washing their hands instead of feet if they are uncomfortable.

We have had foot washing before, but never invited others to participate as washers

#7  Communion

 I will provide communion to all who wish to participate.

There is no set order for these stations. I will ask them to take communion last as they leave for the evening.

Then we will begin our rapid quick change of the sanctuary for Good Friday services!