Holy Week Prayers to Prepare for Your Heart for Easter
If you want to more fully experience Holy Week, the journey with Jesus from Palm Sunday, his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through Holy Saturday, the day after his crucifixion, step into these daily prayers for Holy Week.
Prepare your heart for Easter, by stepping fully into Holy Week with these prayers.
These are prayers I’ve written based on the daily Scripture readings in the Lectionary.
For a deeper devotional, grab the free download with the daily verses, reflections, and prayers. Start with the readings for the day, consider the reflection questions, then use the prayers to begin your conversation with God.
Be sure to check out these 10 Holy Week activities to make your Easter more joyful, too.
Holy Week Prayers
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Prayer for Monday in Holy Week
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Hebrews 9:15 NIV)
Almighty Father, who sent your only Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sin, show me how I can honor you and bring glory to your name, by walking in the way of Jesus. Give me grace and mercy as I try and fail, guidance when I’m not sure which way to go, and wisdom to trust you in all things. For your love brings light and life to all who seek it. May I seek you evermore as I walk with you through this Holy Week and beyond. Amen.
Prayer for Tuesday in Holy Week
“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:25-26 NIV)
O Heavenly and Almighty Father, who sent his only Son Jesus to live and die as one of us, save me. For all wisdom, all strength, and all glory is in you. You are my rock and my redeemer, my shelter in the storm. In you I place my trust, so that I may have hope. Let me walk in your light all my days, seeking only you. I give you my life to love and serve you, following you in all that I do. Amen.
Wednesday in Holy Week
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)
Jesus, you suffered greatly for our benefit. You walked the hard road through shame, betrayal, persecution, rejection. Yet, you only desired good things for us. You came in glory to save us and redeem us from our sins. You came to offer us light and life, a hope in you that surpasses anything the world can offer. So, why do we too often turn our backs? Why do we give in to questions and disbelief when the road gets hard? Why do we look for easier paths to follow? Lord, lead me in your way, encouraging me to persevere on the hard days, remembering the great hope I have in you. Amen.
Maundy Thursday
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
O Lord, the King of Kings, who led and taught not as a mighty ruler, but a servant leader, show me how to lead and live through love. Teach me how to love and serve others with a gracious and humble heart. Help me to always remember your words, being reminded each time I come before your table to share in the cup and the bread. As I come before you to eat the bread of redemption and drink the cup of your salvation, may I recommit my heart to serving you and leading through love. To you, O Lord, who are mighty to save, pour out your mercy and grace and lead me in your way. Amen.
Good Friday
“Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Hebrews 5:8-9 NIV)
O Jesus, on this day we remember your death, the day your light went out from this earth. We sit in the darkness today, remembering the trials you faced on our behalf. You have borne our sin and made the ultimate sacrifice to save us. Today, as we recall your final hours, we consider a world without you and hold onto the hope we know we have in you. Lord, commit my heart ever closer to you, because I don’t want to live in a Good Friday world without you. I want you and your light in my life. I believe in you and want to follow you all the days of my life, even knowing the road ahead will be difficult. Come, Lord Jesus, come and fill this world with your light. Amen.
Holy Saturday
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7-8 NIV)
Heavenly Father, what great love you have for me that you would send your only begotten Son to die for my sins. How can I ever doubt your love or your ways? Yet in these dark moments, I start to question and doubt. I wonder what comes next and I fail to recall your great faithfulness. Lord, forgive my unbelief and help me believe. Help me to trust you in all things, in all times, even through the valleys and dark seasons of my life. For you are my rock and my refuge, my strength in the storm. Your love never ceases, your mercies never end. You are enough for me – more than enough. Help me to remember that all the days of my life. Lead me to walk in love, as a shining reflection of your love into this world. And help me live the life you desire of me, bringing glory to you in all that I do. Amen.
Holy Week Prayers
Join our 'Prayers and Possibilities' newsletter for weekly encouragement and I'll send you a printable of these Holy Week prayers as a FREE gift.
Already on our list? Enter your info below so I know to send you the download.
Journey to the Cross Devotional
Want a more immersive experience for your Holy Week prayers, diving deep into Jesus’ final week?
The 7-Day Journey to the Cross devotional is a daily focus on Scripture and prayer to help you draw nearer to Jesus and experience the fullness of his great love for you through his final week.