Our friends at Nappanee First Brethren have created a video resource to lead you through Threefold Communion at home. You can access our guided experience here, but if you prefer to follow along in a video format, check out their video below!
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** Check out our "Holy Week Guide" at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. ** BEFORE YOU BEGINSet aside time to observe your devotional reflection over a meal to celebrate and remember the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples. You Will Need:
THREEFOLD COMMUNIONA table has been prepared in the presence of his enemies; It is Christ who invites us to meet him here. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. CONFESSRead 1 John 1:9. Practice confession practice the art of confession. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ’s forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. FEETWASHINGRead John 13:1-17. Following the example of Jesus, take turns washing each other’s feet. Let someone lead out by kneeling to rinse the feet of another by pouring water from a pitcher over their feet and into a basin, gently massaging away any dirt or fuzz. Once their feet are cleansed, dry with a towel, they may rise and speak a word of encouragement or prayer. Let the example continue on with the first washee becoming the washer until all have been washed. If you are participating on your own, you may want to take time to wash your own hands and reflect upon the gift of Christ’s forgiveness and cleansing. LOVE FEASTRead Luke 22:7-16. Share a meal with others. If dining alone, call a friend or family member to share about your day. As you share your meal, take time to share words of thanksgiving and concern for one another. Some prompts you may use include: What are you thankful for today? Where have you seen God moving this week? How do you see Jesus reflected in the lives of those around the table? EUCHARIST (BREAD & CUP)Read Luke 22:17-20. Jesus took some of the most common elements at the table—bread and wine—and gave them wholly new meaning. As you share the bread and cup in whatever form you are able, take this moment to remember Jesus’ body and blood given for our forgiveness. Blessing the Bread, say together: This bread which we break is the communion of the Body of Christ. Blessing the Cup, say together: This cup of blessing we bless is the communion of the Blood of Christ. PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. LORD, for this gift and more, we are truly grateful. Amen. SINGJesus and the disciples ended their meal by sharing a hymn and departing in quiet (Mk 14:26). Sing or recite the following together as you close: Blessed be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love: The fellowship of kindred minds, is like to that above. SONG FOR REFLECTIONIt is debated whether the meal Jesus shared with his disciples was the Passover meal itself or merely a dinner in preparation for that special feast. Yet the connection between the deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt and Jesus' death for our salvation is undeniable. As you listen and reflect on the song below, contemplate the value and cost of the sacrifice Jesus gave for our deliverance. HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:38 ** Check out our "Holy Week Guide" at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. ** Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. PRAYBegin your devotional time with a moment of silent prayer. Thank the LORD for a new day and new mercies. Let your prayer time flow naturally - this is your time with Jesus after all. CONFESSRead Acts 3:19. Practice confession practice the art of confession. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ’s forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. INTERCEDEShare prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVEShare a word of thanks as an offering to God. SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONRead Matthew 26:14-16. With a group or on your own, reflect on the scripture texts provided using the following questions: 1. What do you like? Why? 2. What do you dislike? Why? 3. What is confusing or strange? 4. What do you learn about God? 5. How will you live differently in response to this scripture? PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake (Ps 79:9). Amen SONG FOR REFLECTIONWednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday - remembering the betrayal of Judas, selling out Jesus for a bag of coins. Yet we know that each one of us holds within us the same potential to betray and wound Jesus, returning to the comforts of our sin rather than trust our Savior in faithfulness. HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:38 ** Check out our "Holy Week Guide" at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. ** The LORD guides me along right paths for his name’s sake; Your kingdom come, your will be done in me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. PRAYBegin your devotional time with a moment of silent prayer. Thank the LORD for a new day and new mercies. Let your prayer time flow naturally - this is your time with Jesus after all. CONFESSRead Psalm 32:5. Practice confession practice the art of confession. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ’s forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. INTERCEDEShare prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVEShare a word of thanks as an offering to God. SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONRead Isaiah 53:1-5. With a group or on your own, reflect on the scripture texts provided using the following questions: 1. What do you like? Why? 2. What do you dislike? Why? 3. What is confusing or strange? 4. What do you learn about God? 5. How will you live differently in response to this scripture? PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, our rock and our redeemer (Ps 19:14). Amen. SONG FOR REFLECTIONJesus had journeyed to Jerusalem knowing full well the end that was ahead. During that last week, he spoke and acted with no less determination than he had on the journey leading to that place. Jesus knew full well what his mercy and grace would cost him...from the very beginning. HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:38 ** Check out our "Holy Week Guide" at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. ** The LORD leads to green pastures and quiet waters; He restores my soul. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. PRAYBegin your devotional time with a moment of silent prayer. Thank the LORD for a new day and new mercies. Let your prayer time flow naturally - this is your time with Jesus after all. CONFESSRead Proverbs 28:13. Practice confession practice the art of confession. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ’s forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. INTERCEDEShare prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVEShare a word of thanks as an offering to God. SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONRead Philippians 2:5-11. With a group or on your own, reflect on the scripture texts provided using the following questions: 1. What do you like? Why? 2. What do you dislike? Why? 3. What is confusing or strange? 4. What do you learn about God? 5. How will you live differently in response to this scripture? PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. LORD have mercy, Christ have mercy, LORD have mercy. Amen. SONG FOR REFLECTIONNot long after his arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus enters the temple and causes quite a stir by clearing out the money changers with a whip. Take some time to listen to the song below and reflect upon the places in your own heart that need to be cleared out by Jesus. HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:38 ** Check out our "Holy Week Guide" at the link via the button below for preview of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. We'll update the website daily with additional resources for songs and online version of the PDF resource, but there are items you may want to purchase or gather early in the week. **
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYRead James 5:16. Practice the art of confession. Say: I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters, That I have sinned through my own fault, In my thoughts and in my words, In what I have done, and in what I have failed to do, And I plead the blood of Jesus for my forgiveness. Take time to confess to God or to others either out loud, in a prayer journal, or in silent prayer. If someone speaks a confession out loud to you, listen patiently and assure them of Christ's forgiveness. Conclude by speaking the truth of forgiveness: LORD Jesus, through your cross you have forgiven us, and we have new life in you. Share prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVETake a moment to speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God as an offering. DISCUSS/REFLECTLet's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 19:37-44 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group: What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? After you have concluded your own reflections, check out some of the devotional thoughts below from one of our deacons, Jeff Parker. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTSSINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works. Amen. You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HEART VERSEMemorize and reflect upon the meaning of this verse to commit to heart.
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:38
Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked will I return. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYRead Psalm 121:1-8. Prayerfully reflect upon your week and note when God has been at work in your life and in the world. Share prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVINGTake a moment to speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God as an offering. DISCUSS/REFLECTLet's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 18:35-43 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group: What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? After you have concluded your own reflections, check out some of the devotional thoughts below from Pastor Cory. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTIONSSINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. LORD, may our eyes be fixed always upon you. Amen. You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for suggestions for spiritual habits to build into your week and scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HABIT FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATIONThis week, regularly examine your days in prayer. Invite the Holy Spirit to make you aware of God’s presence. Review the last 24 hours, thanking God for the day and noting the emotions that surface. Choose one feature of the day and pray for God to speak to you from it. Look toward tomorrow: What is God inviting you to do in preparation for what is ahead? HEART VERSERead the following verse aloud several times this week to commit it to memory. Once it is in your head, spend time reflecting upon its significance and make the journey to commit it to your heart. What is easy to accept about God's truth? What is difficult? Pray for God's Word to penetrate your spirit.
"Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up" - James 4:10
O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you as the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYRead John 5:1-6. Spend time in prayerful reflection upon Jesus' question, "Do you want to get well." Share prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVINGTake a moment to speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God as an offering. DISCUSS/REFLECTLet's spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 18:1-8 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group: What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? After you have concluded your own reflections, check out some of the devotional thoughts below from Pastor Cory. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTIONSSINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. Lord, you have done great things for us, many of which we have hardly noticed. You are Lord over the past, sovereign in the present, and victorious in the future. Even in our trials, we celebrate you. Amen. You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for suggestions for spiritual habits to build into your week and scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HABITS FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATIONThis week, identify a desire of your heart to bring before the Lord. Make a point to pray for it at regular intervals every day, and listen for a response. Take note of any promptings you sense during that time. How is God answering? How is God changing you? HEART VERSERead the following verse aloud several times this week to commit it to memory. Once it is in your head, spend time reflecting upon its significance and make the journey to commit it to your heart. What is easy to accept about God's truth? What is difficult? Pray for God's Word to penetrate your spirit.
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Luke 11:9
O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you as the day rises to meet the sun. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. SINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYRead Psalm 46:1-11. Spend time in silent reflection to be still and know that He is God. Share prayer concerns and pray for others. GIVINGTake a moment to speak or write out a note of thanksgiving to God as an offering DISCUSS/REFLECTNow spend some time reflecting on scripture together. Read Luke 15:11-32 and use the following questions to reflect in a journal or discuss as a group: What do you like? What do you dislike? What is confusing or strange? What do you learn about God? How will you live differently in response to this? After you have concluded your own reflections, check out some of the devotional thoughts below from Pastor Cory. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTSSINGSing one of the next two songs. Enter full screen and follow the lyrics on the screen.
PRAYOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. Lord, you have done great things for us, many of which we have hardly noticed. You are Lord over the past, sovereign in the present, and victorious in the future. Even in our trials, we celebrate you. Amen. You can conclude your set time of worship here, but let your whole life be oriented to God in praise! See below for suggestions for spiritual habits to build into your week and scripture to commit not just to memory but to your heart. HABITS FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATIONHelp create a reason to celebrate by sharing the Gospel and offering an opportunity for people to respond to Jesus! This week, make an intentional effort to share the Gospel with someone. The elements of the Gospel story are simple: (1) God created the world and called it good. (2) Our sin and disobedience has brought evil and pain into the world. (3) God saved and saves us from the cost of our sin by coming to us in human form in the person of Jesus - dying on the cross for our sins and raising to life to conquer death. (4) We can be made new through the gift of the Holy Spirit that transforms us. (5) Jesus has ascended to heaven and will return to establish His Kingdom where sin and evil will be conquered once and for all! What must be done to be saved? Receive the gift of Jesus’ forgiveness and invite Him to be the LORD of your life, committing to follow the guidance of the Holy spirit! HEART VERSERead the following verse aloud several times this week to commit it to memory. Once it is in your head, spend time reflecting upon its significance and make the journey to commit it to your heart. What is easy to accept about God's truth? What is difficult? Pray for God's Word to penetrate your spirit.
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” - Psalm 84:10 |
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