Holy Thursday Prayer

Prayer for Holy Thursday:
Lord Jesus, on this night You gave us the greatest gift the world has ever received: Your Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. Knowing that Judas would betray You, knowing that Peter would deny You, knowing that all would abandon You — You still took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: 'This is my Body, which will be given up for you.'

You then washed the feet of Your Apostles, saying: 'If I, then, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet.' You showed us that greatness in Your Kingdom is measured by service.

You also gave us the New Commandment: 'Love one another as I have loved you.'

After supper You went to the Garden of Gethsemane. There, in Your humanity, You trembled before the coming agony and prayed: 'Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me — yet not my will, but Yours be done.' Your sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. And the disciples slept.

Lord, on this holy night I adore You in the Blessed Sacrament. I thank You for the priesthood. I thank You for the Eucharist. I promise to love and serve my brothers and sisters as You have loved me.

Watch with me this night. Into Your hands I commend my spirit. Amen.

Tantum Ergo (at the altar of repose):
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.

To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on high
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty. Amen.