Contemporary worship planners have the privilege of working with a rich body of written prayers, hymns, and liturgical texts from every period in the church's history. When using these resources, be sure to keep in mind the shape of worship for each day in Holy Week, which is described in the following entries.
Many of the prayers below are based on centuries-old texts. They aptly express the themes of Holy Week worship. Adapt these prayers to local usage and style.
The following prayers are based on the Scripture readings appropriate for Holy Week. Note the commentary after each prayer, which elaborates the scriptural references on which it is based and provides suggestions for appropriate use.
The servant songs from Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah are fitting texts for Holy Week worship. Many hymnals include settings of these canticles for congregational singing. Consider also having these canticles read very slowly and reflectively by a single reader or a group of readers.
During Holy Week, the blessing is often in the form of a prayer for the gathered congregation rather than as a pronouncement of blessing.
The following listings are a sampling of hymns and songs for Holy Week.