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Good Friday Reflections on the Death of Jesus

(Second Order)

Introduction

Song: 'There is a green hill far away' (Anglican Hymn Book 163; Australian Hymn Book 266)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, as we draw near to you this day under the shadow of your cross, give us a new understanding of what it cost you, the Holy One, to bear away our sin. Help us to turn away from disobedience and sin, and to be truly grateful for your redeeming love. Amen

1.       God's Servant is the Saviour of his people

Bible readings: Isaiah 53:1-6; John 19:17-27

Reflection on these passages

Prayer:

'Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger.' (Lamentations 1:12)



Lord Jesus Christ, betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, deserted by your disciples, denied by Peter, mocked by Herod, scourged by Pilate, crowned with thorns and nailed to the cross: we thank you with all our heart for your suffering and death, by which we have been forgiven, and saved from the punishment that was due to us.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.



With true and deep repentance, we acknowledge your grace towards us. We confess that you were pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on you, and by your wounds we are healed. We pour contempt on all our pride and offer our lives again to you, that in the service of your kingdom we may show our gratitude for all that you have done for us. To God be the glory, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Song: 'The Power of the Cross' (Stuart Townend & Keith Getty)

or

'Man of sorrows' (Anglican Hymn Book 159)



2.       The Servant's victory is our victory

Bible readings: Isaiah 53:7-12; John 19:28-37

Reflection on these passages

Prayer:

Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation: to you be praise and glory forever.

In the darkness of our sin you have shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. As we behold your Son, enthroned on the cross, stir up in us the fire of your love, so that cleansed from all our sins, we may walk with you as children of light, to the praise of your holy name. Amen.



Lord Jesus Christ, you willingly suffered all that was necessary for our eternal salvation and drained the cup of sacrifice to the last. We thank you for this great work of redemption, achieved once for all at infinite cost. May our trust be in you alone, with the certain knowledge that the way to the Father's presence and eternal life is open to us, now and always. 



Keep us from denying you in our lives, disowning you before unbelievers, and compromising our discipleship by being unfaithful to you.



We pray for the spread of this gospel of salvation in our parish, in this country, and throughout the world. By your Spirit empower us to be faithful witnesses to those we know and meet. Bring many to the foot of the cross, to acknowledge you as their only Saviour and Lord; we ask this for your great name's sake.  Amen.

Song: 'Beneath the cross of Jesus' (Anglican Hymn Book 152 or Emu Music version)

or

'In Christ alone' (Keith Getty & Stuart Townend)

Concluding prayer:

Gracious God, by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, you have  saved people from every race and culture and language. Grant that through faith in your Son we may experience the power of his victory over sin and death, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Some of the prayers in this service are adapted from F. Colquhoun, Contemporary Parish Prayers (1975), and from © Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000, http://www.cofe.anglican.org/commonworship/). All rights reserved.