Devotional 4-23-11

Thankfully, we know the glorious end of the Easter story, and we know that Christ has given us the key to heaven’s gate. It is a never-ending challenge, though, to carry that key. Our Father’s disappointment in us must sometimes be unfathomable. It is on this day that all our sins are brought into perspective. 

We are unworthy of so great a sacrifice. At the very least, we can take the time to contemplate what was given for our salvation. We realize today, when the price of our redemption seems so tangible, that we must more diligently walk in love and humility.  

Today is the Day of Preparation. The body is being treated with myrrh, wrapped in linen, and is placed in the tomb. Imagine that we are sitting next to the stone after it is rolled into place. In our mourning, we might pray the following:

In the midst of life, we are in death;

From whom can we seek help?
From you alone, O Lord,
Who by our sins are justly angered.

Lord, you know the secrets of our hearts;
Shut not your ears to our prayers,
But spare us, O Lord.

O worthy and eternal Judge,
Do not let the pains of death
Turn us away from you at our last hour.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty,

Holy and merciful Savior,
Deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.

(A burial rite anthem from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer,
© 1986 by the Church Pension Fund)
Natalie Wray