In the Anglican tradition, the “silent waiting” after the Maundy Thursday service refers to a period of quiet reflection, or prayer vigil, that often follows the liturgy. The altar is left bare, and the church darkened, echoing the betrayal, arrest, and suffering of Christ that follow the Last Supper in the Gospel accounts.
The silent waiting, sometimes called the “Watch” or “Vigil,” is a significant practice in many Anglican parishes. It is inspired by Jesus’ plea to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to “remain here and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38, ESV). When he returned and found them sleeping, he said, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, ESV). Parishioners stay in the church, often in rotation. This vigil lasts through the night into Good Friday. It’s a time of stillness, prayer, and meditation on Christ’s impending sacrifice, reflecting on the related Scriptures, and inviting participants to share in his anguish and isolation.
The silence is deliberate, underscoring the weight of the moment; no hymns or sermons, just a quiet connection to the sacred story. It stands in stark contrast to the communal celebration of Easter Sunday, enriching the spiritual journey of Holy Week. While practices may differ slightly among Anglican churches, this silent waiting remains a treasured tradition for those who partake in it.
Last Updated: 03/25/2025 by Charlie Vensel
What is the Prayer Vigil?
The silent waiting, sometimes called the “Watch” or “Vigil,” is a significant practice in many Anglican parishes. It is inspired by Jesus’ plea to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to “remain here and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38, ESV). When he returned and found them sleeping, he said, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, ESV). Parishioners stay in the church, often in rotation. This vigil lasts through the night into Good Friday. It’s a time of stillness, prayer, and meditation on Christ’s impending sacrifice, reflecting on the related Scriptures, and inviting participants to share in his anguish and isolation.
The silence is deliberate, underscoring the weight of the moment; no hymns or sermons, just a quiet connection to the sacred story. It stands in stark contrast to the communal celebration of Easter Sunday, enriching the spiritual journey of Holy Week. While practices may differ slightly among Anglican churches, this silent waiting remains a treasured tradition for those who partake in it.
Category: Anglicanism Tags: Anglicanism 101, Good Friday, Holy Week, Lent, Maundy Thursday, Prayer Vigil