Holy Thursday / Good Friday
Prayer
Pastoral Prayers For All Seasons
Object:
O Giver of Life, crucifixion in first century Israel was a grizzly business. At least that's what we think when we consider the centurions. Unhappily these particular soldiers had drawn the duty that stretches through the noonday heat. There was no relief from the sun, the shrieking crowd, and the agony of approaching death.
God, must we come to the cross?
However, for some, that day was immeasurable relief. The council, the high priest, Caiaphas, the Roman Ruler, Pilate, were glad to have Jesus off their hands. The sooner death came, the sooner he could be buried and the sooner they could return to life as usual.
God, is it required of us to watch until he draws his very last breath?
The cross, that day, was unrelieved pain. There was no solace for Jesus, his family, his remaining disciples, and the faithful attending women. How could he have been brought to this moment? What miscarriage of justice ordered him to this crude instrument of death? What hatred and fear shaped the minds of men who now took pleasure in witnessing Jesus take his last shuddering breath.
God, do we need to watch his nearly sightless eyes can scan over us for some measure of support and understanding, which we are either unable or unwilling to give? Can't we just go home?
Actually we can't go home that easily. Our leave taking is more complicated than that. For in our heart of hearts we want to tarry there. This broken Jesus is dying for us that we might escape the wretchedness of a sinful life and the finality of death. He has accepted this ghastly deed for us. This is his love for us. As those who were held by the final agony of his sputtering life, we cannot leave. We dare not leave, for it's not only his life that is at stake -- it is ours as well. He is dying for us. We cannot simply choose to walk away. In his holy name we pray. Amen.
God, must we come to the cross?
However, for some, that day was immeasurable relief. The council, the high priest, Caiaphas, the Roman Ruler, Pilate, were glad to have Jesus off their hands. The sooner death came, the sooner he could be buried and the sooner they could return to life as usual.
God, is it required of us to watch until he draws his very last breath?
The cross, that day, was unrelieved pain. There was no solace for Jesus, his family, his remaining disciples, and the faithful attending women. How could he have been brought to this moment? What miscarriage of justice ordered him to this crude instrument of death? What hatred and fear shaped the minds of men who now took pleasure in witnessing Jesus take his last shuddering breath.
God, do we need to watch his nearly sightless eyes can scan over us for some measure of support and understanding, which we are either unable or unwilling to give? Can't we just go home?
Actually we can't go home that easily. Our leave taking is more complicated than that. For in our heart of hearts we want to tarry there. This broken Jesus is dying for us that we might escape the wretchedness of a sinful life and the finality of death. He has accepted this ghastly deed for us. This is his love for us. As those who were held by the final agony of his sputtering life, we cannot leave. We dare not leave, for it's not only his life that is at stake -- it is ours as well. He is dying for us. We cannot simply choose to walk away. In his holy name we pray. Amen.
