Call to Worship
We gather to worship God, the Trinity of Love: Creator, Redeemer, and Giver of Life.
Just a brief introduction to this service: traditionally, many churches of various denominations had three-hour services on the afternoon of Good Friday, focusing on the “Seven Words from the Cross”, and with a lengthy sermon on each of the seven words. Some years ago, in a previous parish, I developed this service as a normal-length service using that traditional model, focusing on each of the “Seven Words”, but without seven lengthy sermons. Instead, there is a brief reflection each Good Friday on one of the “Seven Words”. This year, my reflection is on the first of the “Seven Words from the Cross”: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
Also, in most churches, worship on Good Friday, traditionally, is very solemn, very sombre, very plain, and as “minimalist” as possible. The reason I haven’t “robed up” today and am in jacket and tie is part of the plainness and the “minimalism” of Good Friday. I’ll “robe up” again on Sunday to express the joy and celebration of Easter.
On this Good Friday, let us gather around the cross of Christ.
We have been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer we who live,
but Christ who lives in us.
Let us worship God.
TiS 339 “O sacred head sore wounded …’
The First Word from the Cross is “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
Lesson: Luke 23: 26 – 34
Silence
Prayer
God of forgiveness, Jesus from his cross prayed for forgiveness even for those who were torturing and killing him. Enable us all to stand alongside those who are the victims of violence, whether at the hands of criminals, terrorists, soldiers, torturers, or executioners. (pause) God of the cross, God of radical grace,
help us to follow Jesus on the way of the cross. Amen.
Reflection
(a brief silence)
And in the light of Jesus’ prayer of forgiveness, let us confess our sins against God and against our neighbour. As has been the case throughout Lent, our prayers of confession will follow an ancient Christian form where the worship leader first makes confession and then hears the word of God’s grace spoken by the congregation, and the congregation then makes their confessions and hears the word of God’s grace spoken by the worship leader.
Prayers of confession
Minister: Let us pray. (silence) I confess to God, and in the presence of God’s people, that my life and the life of the world have been broken by my sin.
Congregation: May God forgive you. May Christ renew you. May the Spirit enable you to grow in love.
Minister Amen.
Congregation: I confess to God, and in the presence of God’s people, that my life and the life of the world have been broken by my sin.
Minister: May God forgive you. May Christ renew you. May the Spirit enable you to grow in love.
Congregation: Amen.
TiS 342 “When I survey the wondrous cross …”
The Second Word from the Cross is “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Lesson: Luke 23: 39 – 43
Silence
Prayer
God of compassion, even in his pain Jesus sought to speak words of assurance and hope to a suffering neighbour. Enable us to be compassionate to all who suffer, and to all who experience fear. (pause) God of the cross, God of radical grace,
help us to follow Jesus on the way of the cross. Amen.
The Third Word from the Cross is “Woman, here is your Son. . . . Here is your mother.”
Lesson: John 19: 25b – 27
Silence
Prayer
God who creates and sustains human relationships, Jesus on his cross sought to ensure protection and safety for his mother, and the wisdom and guidance of a mature mind for his young friend. Give to us all the insight to seek the true well-being of those with whom you call us to live in families and in friendship. (pause) God of the cross, God of radical grace,
help us to follow Jesus on the way of the cross. Amen.
Hymn “And did he die?”
And did he die in bitterness and anger,
condemning all who stood against his word?
No, he died in sadness and in suff’ring
but only love he spoke to those who heard.
And did he die to start a revolution,
to win the world by violence and war?
No, he died proclaiming peace and justice,
with only love to save and nothing more.
And did he die defeated by the powers
of those who trust that force will end all strife?
No, he died exposing false messiahs
for only love can lead us back to life.
And did he die to please a God of anger,
a sacrifice in which he had no choice?
No, he died to end all sacrifices
and only love is present in God’s voice.
Copyright, John McRae, 2003, Used by permission
The Fourth Word from the Cross is “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Lesson: Matthew 27: 45 – 49
Silence
Prayer
God who is present in all circumstances, even Jesus experienced the feeling of your absence while dying on the cross. Give to us all an authentic sensitivity to those who find it difficult to affirm your presence in their lives or in the world around them. (pause) God of the cross, God of radical grace,
help us to follow Jesus on the way of the cross. Amen.
The Fifth Word from the Cross is “I am thirsty.”
Lesson: John 19: 28 – 29
Silence
Prayer
God who sustains all life, your Son experienced the thirst of a person dying a violent death in a desert climate. Enable us all to ensure that all people, in all parts of our world, have adequate food, water, shelter, and sanitation. (pause) God of the cross, God of radical grace,
help us to follow Jesus on the way of the cross. Amen.
The Sixth Word from the Cross is “It is finished.”
Lesson: John 19: 30
Silence
Prayer
God of purpose, Jesus saw your purposes even in the midst of his own painful death. Enable us to live purposefully in his name. (pause) God of the cross, God of radical grace,
help us to follow Jesus on the way of the cross. Amen.
Offering
Prayer of Dedication
Notices
The Seventh Word from the Cross is “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
Lesson: Luke 23: 44 – 49
Silence
Prayer
God of life, at the time of death, Jesus commended his spirit to your loving care. Enable us all to affirm that our lives, and the lives of all, are held safely in the shelter of your love. (pause) God of the cross, God of radical grace,
help us to follow Jesus on the way of the cross. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
TiS 351: “Lift high the cross …”
Benediction,
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.
To be continued ….
Original liturgical material copyright: Robert J. Faser, 2011
