Holy Week Wednesday – Very Rev. Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN.
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*Holy Wednesday: Prayer for Fidelity, Overcoming and Pardon*
O God Most High, Searcher of hearts and Refiner of souls, Lord of the Secret Place, You who hear — and see the one who — whispers in the dark and measure the intentions of every heart. On this Holy Wednesday, when betrayal took root in silence, I come to You, not in hiding but in surrender. So, Lord, deliver me from all acts, thoughts, and speeches that cause betrayal in their forms, and let no guile hinder my prayers. Let me not wear holiness as a robe while nursing compromise beneath it.
Lord Jesus, the Lamb without blemish, Whose blood speaks better things than all my righteousness, on this day, Judas exchanged eternal light for passing coins, let not that spirit find room in me; instead, deliver me from such a heart; let no guile dwell in me; let no false devotion fester beneath my worship; burn away what is double-minded in me. God Almighty, Spirit of Truth, hover over me now, as You hovered over the deep; shine light into my motives and the back chambers of my soul; and strip me of anything in me that would make me trade Your presence for profit. O Merciful Christ, the Teacher, You remained silent before Your accusers, not because You lacked power, but because You held peace, so teach me to hold my peace, teach me the holy wisdom of silence; teach me to be quiet when slander rises; teach me to trust Your timing; teach me to rest in Your justice when I am misunderstood, and to yield when vengeance tempts me; and above all, bless me when wounded.
Great God of wonders, Whose ways display countless acts of pardoning grace, even beyond His divine attributes, let this Holy Wednesday be the day I get Your pardon for my crimes of deepest dye; be the day of my cleansing; the day I turn from shadows to light, from compromise to conviction, from fear to faith; the day I choose the narrow way; the day I turn away from sin; the day I turn from self to the Saviour, Jesus Christ, the all victorious Lord.
So Lord God, Eternal Sun of Righteousness, by Your divine beams cause the glories of Your face to shine upon my heart; and lift up the light of Your countenance upon me so that I may be found, forgiven and kept near You, for the rest of my days. Let me be held in fidelity, marked by mercy, and sealed in truth for the rest of my days. I ask this in the Name of the Man of Sorrows, Jesus Christ, who was betrayed yet never embittered.
*Amen.*
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*The Patriarch’s Note.*
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*KEY BIBLE VERSES for Holy Wednesday: Prayer for Fidelity, Overcoming and Pardon.*
- *Psalm 139:23-24*
*_“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”_*
- *Hebrews 12:1-2*
*_“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run — with endurance — the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”_*
- *James 1:5*
*_“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”_*
- *1 John 1:9*
*_“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”_*
- *Romans 8:1*
*_“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”_*
- *Seeking Authenticity:*
This prayer reflects a deep longing for sincerity in our walk with God. As we strive to shed the facades that may hinder true fellowship with Him, let us remember that God values honesty in our hearts above all else. May we draw near with an open and contrite spirit, allowing His light to illuminate the darkest corners of our lives.
- *The Gift of Pardon:*
The reminder that God’s grace surpasses our deepest failures brings profound hope. In Christ, we find forgiveness and the strength to overcome temptations that may lead us astray. Let us embrace this gift, transforming our apprehension into faithfulness and guilt into gratitude.
- *Enduring through Trials:*
In moments of betrayal and misunderstanding, we are encouraged to uphold the virtues of peace and patience. As Jesus exemplified, responding in grace rather than retaliation reveals a heart committed to Christ. Let us learn to trust God’s timing and divine justice; rest assured that He is our defender through each trial.
- *Choosing the Narrow Path:*
The faith journey often involves choices that may seem daunting. Yet, when we turn from our old ways and choose to follow the path of righteousness, we align ourselves with God’s purpose. This Holy Wednesday, let us commit to walking in fidelity, striving for holiness, and embodying the love of Christ in every action.
*_May this prayer and the accompanying Scriptures imbue your Lenten journey with renewed faith and strength, leading you closer to the heart of God, in Jesus’ Name._*
*AMEN.*
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