The Importance of Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. It is a night rich with meaning:

• The Institution of the Eucharist: Jesus offered bread and wine as His body and blood, establishing the foundation of Holy Communion (the Eucharist).

• The Command to Love: The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum,” meaning “commandment.” Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you."

• The Washing of Feet: Jesus humbly washed His disciples’ feet, a profound act of servanthood and love.

Holy Thursday invites us into a deeper understanding of sacrifice, love, humility, and service—and it prepares our hearts for the sorrow and glory of Good Friday and Easter.

​

A Holy Thursday Prayer

Lord Jesus,
On this sacred night, we remember the table You set, the bread broken, and the wine poured. You gave Yourself in love, teaching us what it means to serve and to be served.

As You knelt and washed the feet of Your friends, may we kneel before others with humility and kindness. As You shared the cup and the bread, may we share our lives with grace and compassion.

Help us to carry Your commandment of love into the world—patiently, gently, and with courage.

Tonight, may we keep watch with You, stay close to Your heart, and never forget the price of mercy.

In Your holy name we pray,
Amen.

​

Scripture for Holy Thursday (The Last Supper)

Luke 22:19-20 (NIV):

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”

This passage beautifully captures the heart of Holy Thursday and the sacrament of the Eucharist.