Good Friday 24

Opening Prayer

Ps Aaron: “Let us bow our heads in prayer as we gather on this solemn Good Friday to remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. As we reflect on the cross, may Your presence be tangible among us, guiding our thoughts and emotions. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Scripture Reading

Reader: “Our first reading is from Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV): ‘He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.'”

Reflection

Ps Aaron: “As we meditate on the cross today, let us consider the depth of God’s love displayed through Christ’s sacrifice. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8 (NIV), ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ This sacrificial love calls us to repentance and gratitude.”

Prayer of Confession

Ps Aaron: “Let us humble ourselves before the Lord in a prayer of confession. Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our sins and failures, and we ask for Your forgiveness. Wash us clean with the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, and renew our hearts with Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Communion

Ps Aaron: “As we partake of communion today, let us remember the words of Jesus from 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (NIV): ‘and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'”

Reading of the Cross

Reader: “Let us now reflect on the seven last words of Christ from the cross:

1. ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ (Luke 23:34)

2. ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ (Luke 23:43)

3. ‘Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother.’ (John 19:26-27)

4. ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46)

5. ‘I am thirsty.’ (John 19:28)

6. ‘It is finished.’ (John 19:30)

7. ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ (Luke 23:46)”

Silent Reflection

Allow a few moments of silence for personal reflection and prayer.

Closing Prayer

Ps Aaron: “Gracious God, as we leave this place, may the message of the cross dwell richly in our hearts. Help us to live each day in remembrance of Your sacrifice and to share Your love with the world. May Your peace and grace be with us now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

**Benediction**

Ps Aaron: “May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Go in peace to serve the Lord. Amen.”