Praying at the Cross
​A Liturgy for Good Friday

 
Notes: In contrast to the Tenebrae service, which moves from light to darkness, this liturgy acknowledges that during the Coronavirus epidemic, some feel already in the darkness. Participating in this service helps us recognize that our prayers offer light in a difficult time. Pastors or other facilitators may encourage participants to gather 7 candles before the service and light one after each prayer is completed, keeping them lighted for as long as they would like.
 
The service can include music or be spoken word only. Powerpoint may be used for sharing in Zoom, or one can make a print version available for Live Streaming.
 
Prelude (optional)
 
Welcome
 
Opening Prayer
 
One: God of Light, God of Shadow. You sent your Son to live among us and to die among us, so that we would know the extravagance of love and grace. You sent your Son so you could walk with us, understanding what we go through as humans.
All: Our joys, our sorrows, our faith, our doubts.
One: We gather on this most holy of nights to remember the power of love that does not turn back from a harrowing execution, but chooses to open a path through death and the grave.
All: In his sorrow, we find comfort. By his wounds, we are healed.
 
Hymn/Worship Song (optional)
 
Call to Prayer:
            Let us come with confidence to our great God, through the way made open to us by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let us come to a God who knows the hairs of our heads and cares about the death of the sparrows. Let us come with the faith of Jesus, our Savior, that God is at work in and through all things, to the glory of God, and the coming of the Kingdom of love.
 
Service of Prayers (and candles)
 
One: And Jesus said:
All: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
One: We come to God, in need of forgiveness. We come to God for strength to forgive.
Let us offer God our prayers of repentance. Let us forgive those who have brought us harm..
            The Keeping of Silence
One: God of mercy and grace,
All: Hear our prayers. (lighting of candle)
 
One: And Jesus said:
All: Woman, here is your son! Look, here is your mother!
One: We come to God recognizing that we are made for community, to love and care for each other, whether biological family, or members of the human family. Let us pray for those in our hearts and minds, those for whom we care, and those who care for us.
The Keeping of Silence
One: God of loving embrace,
All: Hear our prayers. (lighting of candle)
 
One: And Jesus said:
All: I thirst.
One: We come to God recognizing our own needs and the needs of others, whether spiritual, physical, economic, social, or emotional. Let us to pray for ourselves, and for those, known and unknown, that through us, or in other ways, their needs will be met. .
The Keeping of Silence
One: God of infinite resources,
All: Hear our prayers. (lighting of candle)
 
One: And Jesus said:
All: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
One: In seasons of darkness, we can feel as if God has abandoned us. Let us pray for those who feel isolated and alone, remembering that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Let us ask for ways we may bring God’s presence to others through our words, actions, and prayers.
            The Keeping of Silence
One: God behind the silence,
All: Hear our prayers. (lighting of candle)
 
One: And Jesus said:
All: Today you will be with me in paradise.
One: Death comes to us all, and especially in times of crisis. Let us remember those who have passed, and those who are at death’s door. Let us pray for those who are bereaved that they would rest in God’s promises of loving welcome and eternal love.
            The Keeping of Silence
One: God of everlasting life,
All: Hear our prayers. (lighting of candle)
 
One: And Jesus said:
All: It is finished.
One: On the cross Jesus embraced his vocation, the purpose for which he came to earth. Let us be reminded of our own callings from God, especially as it relates to this difficult season. Let us recommit ourselves to the work that God has given each of us to do.
            The Keeping of Silence
One: God who calls and empowers us,
All: Hear our prayers. (lighting of candle)
  
One: And Jesus said:
All: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
One: Jesus says: I give my sheep eternal life, and they will never perish, no on can snatch them from out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. Let us rest in the hands of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May their presence be a constant source of peace and comfort, no matter what our days may bring.
            The Keeping of Silence
One: God of our resting,
All: Hear our prayers. (lighting of candle)
 
Closing Hymn/Worship Song (Optional)
 
Benediction:
One: We remember the horror of Good Friday, but we are not bound to it.
All: We are not of those who grieve without hope.
One: Let us leave reassured by grace and empowered by love.
All: Jesus, the true light, has come into the world, and the darkness has not overcome him. We willingly choose to bring God’s light into a darkened world.