|
||||||
| Serving God and Sharing Good News |
A Service for Good Friday
The Stations of the Cross
On Good Friday 1991, Pope John Paul II, according to long standing papal tradition, led a crowd of people at the Roman Coliseum through the Stations of the Cross. However, he changed the format, altering the fourteen stations and adding a fifteenth. Some of the traditional ones were kept, while others were dropped and new ones inserted. All of the stations the Holy Father used had as their basis incidents recorded in the gospels.
Using this service we will follow through the last days in the life of our Lord and as we seek to die with Christ so may we also rise to new life on Easter Sunday. You may take this service and use it in your own prayer times.
Jesus said.
'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me...'
Opening Sentence
God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ
died for us
Romans Chapter 5:8
Opening Prayers
Minister: Almighty Father look with mercy on this your family for which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed and given up into the hands of wicked men and to suffer death upon the cross; Lord we thank you for all the benefits you have won for us. For all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we by learning of the manner of your life learn to follow in your steps of humility and sacrifice.
All: Lord Jesus Christ, take me along that holy way you once took to your death. Take my mind, my memory, above all my reluctant heart, and let me see what once you did for love of me and all the world.
First Hymn
There is a green hill (674)
Confession & Responses
Minister: Lord Jesus Christ, we confess we have failed you as did your first disciples. We ask you for your mercy and your help
Lord, forgive:
Christ have mercy
We fail to share the pain of your suffering:
Lord, forgive:
Christ have mercy
We run away from those who abuse you:
Lord, forgive:
Christ have mercy
We are afraid of being known to belong to you:
Lord, forgive:
Christ have mercy
The Lord enrich you with his grace,
and nourish you with his blessing;
the Lord defend you in trouble and keep you from evil;
the Lord accept your prayers,
and absolve you from your offences,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.
Second Hymn
You laid aside (795)
Offering
Lord God we offer you our thanks and praise and our lives in your service. Take us and use us to your praise and glory. Amen.