Holy Thursday Prayer

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening begins the Triduum, the three holiest days of the year. At the end, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to an altar of repose, the main altar is stripped bare, and the church is left in silence. Many people stay and pray late into the night.

In the morning many dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass, where the bishop blesses the holy oils for the year and priests renew their promises. In some countries there’s a custom of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday night to pray at each altar of repose.

A Holy Thursday Prayer

Lord Jesus, on the night you were betrayed,
you knelt and washed your disciples’ feet,
and you gave us your Body and Blood.
Thank you for the gift of the Eucharist and for our priests.
Teach me to serve as you served,
and to love as you loved, to the end.
Amen.

A Prayer at the Washing of Feet

Lord, you washed the feet of the one who would betray you.
Show me whose feet I need to wash:
who I need to serve, forgive or humble myself before.
Amen.

Watching One Hour at the Altar of Repose

Jesus, your friends fell asleep in the garden.
I want to stay awake with you tonight.
I can’t take away your sorrow,
but I can stay.
Amen.

Tantum Ergo

Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o’er ancient forms departing,
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.
Amen.

Best Times for This Prayer

• At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
• At the altar of repose, late on Holy Thursday night.
• For priests on the day of the Chrism Mass.

Scripture Connection

“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” — John 13:14

John’s Gospel tells the Last Supper without describing the bread and wine. Instead, it gives us the towel and basin. The Eucharist and service belong together.

Related prayers

For the Eucharist, see the Easter Communion Prayer and Sacrament Prayer. For priests, the Prayer for Priests by St Therese. For Easter, the He Has Risen Prayer.