The strongest prayers on Maundy Thursday: before bathing and communion

Maundy Thursday is a special day of Great Lent, one of the deepest in meaning. It is dedicated to the memory of the Last Supper, where Christ instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist (Thanksgiving) and washed the disciples' feet, thus showing an example of humility and love. In 2025, Maundy Thursday falls on April 17, and this day is filled with inner prayer, preparation for communion, and purification of the soul and body.

Prayer on Maundy Thursday takes a central place. Izvestia publishes the most important prayer points and texts that can be used.

Prayer during bathing on Maundy Thursday

The tradition of bathing or ablution on Maundy Thursday before sunrise is not just a folk rite, but a deeply symbolic act. Everything unnecessary, dark, and painful is washed away, and with the water goes everything sinful that prevents the soul from approaching God.

Before ablution on Maundy Thursday, it is recommended to recite the following simple but powerful prayer:

"As confessions purify, as water washes away dirt, so you, Thursday, clean anyone, Cleanse me, a servant of God, from all evil, from resentment, from disobedience, from other people's blasphemy, from bad rumors, from evil conversations, from vain disputes In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen to that."

The main hymn of Holy Thursday is "The Supper of Thy Mystery...":

"Son of God! make me a participant in Your last supper now (make me worthy to receive communion), because I will not tell secrets to Your enemies, I will not give You a kiss like Judas (I will not betray You with an evil life), but, like a robber, I will confess You: remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom."

Also, during home prayers, you can read Psalm 50 ("Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy ...") — this is a penitential psalm, especially relevant on any day of Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday: canons before Communion

Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday is one of the main spiritual events for a believer. In order to approach the sacrament with dignity, you need to prepare yourself: first of all, through the prayer rule established by the Church.

What to read before Communion:

On the evening before (or in the morning), the following to Holy Communion is read, which includes several canons.

• The Canon of Repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ;
• Canon of prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos;
• Canon to the Guardian Angel;
• Following Holy Communion (prayers from the saints).

Immediately before Communion (in the temple), the following are read:

• Prayers before receiving the Holy Gifts (usually they are said quietly in church a few minutes before confession and liturgy).

It is advisable to go to confession the night before, so that you can focus on the liturgy on the day of Communion itself.

If a person cannot read the entire rule in full (for example, due to age or health condition), he can read the abridged version with the blessing of the confessor, but with special attention, contrition and faith.

What else to pray for on Maundy Thursday: strong prayers

On Maundy Thursday, one should not only prepare for communion, but also pray for home, family, healing, and forgiveness of sins. This is a special time when the sky is "open" — the soul feels God's presence more subtly.

Strong prayers for Maundy Thursday:

Prayer for the forgiveness of sins:

"Lord our God, forgive me all that I have sinned today in word, deed and thought, as a good and loving man. Grant me a peaceful and serene sleep. Send Your guardian angel, who protects and preserves me from all evil. For You are the guardian of our souls and bodies, and to You we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer for family and home:

"Lord Jesus Christ, keep my house and all those who live in it safe. Strengthen our love, silence, patience and mutual understanding. May Your grace be with us all the days of our lives. Amen to that."

Prayer for health (when washing):

"Lord, give me strength in body and spirit. Heal the visible and hidden ailments. May I serve You in health, for the joy of others, and for the salvation of My soul. Amen to that."

Prayer for deliverance from anxiety and fear:

"Lord, grant me peace in my soul and peace of mind. Help me overcome fear, doubt, discouragement, and disbelief. Strengthen my faith and trust in You. Amen to that."