Holy Week in the Adventist tradition is, above all, a time of preparation for the Lord’s Supper. The apostle Paul calls everyone to approach this seriously:
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Cor 11:28
Several days of spiritual preparation are not a church formality, but an invitation: to pause, look into the heart, and come to Golgotha again.
Day 1 — The Cross: Why He Died
The first day focuses on the meaning of Jesus’ death. Reading: Isaiah 53, Romans 5:6–8, John 3:16. Questions for reflection: “Do I feel that His death was for me personally?”
“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isa 53:5
Day 2 — Personal Examination
A time of silence and prayer. Reading: Psalm 139:23–24, 1 John 1:9. Question: “What in my heart needs forgiveness and change?” A written prayer of repentance may be suggested — not for public reading, but for personally bringing before God.
Day 3 — Grace and Reconciliation
If there is a division or offense in the community, this day is especially important before the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said:
“If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you — leave your gift there and go; first be reconciled to your brother.” Matt 5:23–24
Day 4 — Resurrection and New Hope
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20–22, John 20:19–21. The cross is not the end — it is the beginning. Focus attention on the fact that Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of our hope and the guarantee of our own resurrection.
The Lord’s Supper Service
Conclude the week with the Supper, including foot washing and the breaking of bread. The symbols are simple: bread and wine remind us that He gave His body and blood. The basin and towel remind us that He came not to be served, but to serve.
Such a program is not a mandatory standard, but an invitation. Each church adapts it to its own context. But the goal is one: to come to Easter renewed, not merely present.
