Words Of The Cross
Worship
Services For Special Days
Hymn Services And Readings For Special Times Of The Year
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Good Friday
An offering can be inserted after the Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements, or offering plates can be placed on a table where folks can use them on the way out.
For visual appeal, seven candles of various sizes and colors are placed on the altar. These can include the regular altar candles, or be in addition to them. They are extinguished one at a time after each section.
Participants in this service include:
Scripture Reader (either one person can read all, or a different person for each section)
Pastor
Liturgist
Leper
Thief
John
Mary Magdalene
Samaritan Woman
Mary, The Mother Of Jesus
Soldier
The soloist should be able to sing a cappella. The verses after each scripture reading are done to the tune of "Amazing Grace." For the closing solo, use only one verse of "Were You There?" For the best effect, this should be done in darkness.
Bulletin
Words Of The Cross
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Good Friday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
A Word Of Welcome
Call To Worship (Responsively)
John 3:16; Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 3:18a; John 1:29b
Leader:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
People:
He did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us.
Leader:
Christ also suffered for our sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous in order to bring you to God.
People:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Prayer (In Unison)
We shrink before pain and suffering, O Lord. We feel the impact of evil as we speak of Good Friday. Open our hearts. Open our understanding. May we reach beyond the suffering to the coming resurrection. Amen.
Hymn
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
The First Word -- Forgiveness
Hymn
"Jesus, Lover Of My Soul"
Scripture
Luke 23:32-38
Solo
Extinguish First Candle
Words From A Former Leper
The Second Word -- Pardon
Hymn
"I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say"
Scripture
Luke 23:39-43
Solo
Extinguish Second Candle
Words From The Thief
The Third Word -- Concern
Hymn
"The Gift Of Love"
Scripture
John 19:25-27
Solo
Extinguish Third Candle
Word From John
The Fourth Word -- Loneliness
Hymn
"O Sacred Head Now Wounded"
Scripture
Matthew 27:45-49
Solo
Extinguish Fourth Candle
Word From Mary Magdalene
The Fifth Word -- Suffering
Hymn
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
Scripture
John 19:28-29
Solo
Extinguish Fifth Candle
Words From A Samaritan Woman
The Sixth Word -- Victory
Hymn
"'Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies"
Scripture
John 19:30
Solo
Extinguish Sixth Candle
Words From Mary, The Mother Of Jesus
The Seventh Word -- Commitment
Hymn
"What Wondrous Love"
Scripture
Luke 23:44-49
Solo
Extinguish Seventh Candle
Words From The Soldier
A Word Of Closing
Hymn
"Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross"
Benediction (Pastor)
Solo
"Were You There?" (v. 1)
(a cappella in darkness)
Service
Words Of The Cross
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Good Friday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
A Word Of Welcome
Call To Worship (Responsively)
John 3:16; Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 3:18a; John 1:29b
Leader:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
People:
He did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us.
Leader:
Christ also suffered for our sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous in order to bring you to God.
People:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Prayer (In Unison)
We shrink before pain and suffering, O Lord. We feel the impact of evil as we speak of Good Friday. Open our hearts. Open our understanding. May we reach beyond the suffering to the coming resurrection. Amen.
Hymn
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
The First Word -- Forgiveness
Hymn
"Jesus, Lover Of My Soul"
Scripture
Luke 23:32-38
Solo (Tune "Amazing Grace")
Father, forgive them all this day,2
They know not what they do;
Forgive them now;
I give my life,
That they may come to you.
Extinguish First Candle
Words From A Former Leper
Listen to them. They jeer at him. They taunt him. Don't they know who he is? I was once a leper. There were ten of us that day walking along the road. We heard Jesus and his disciples approaching and we began to shout, "Unclean, unclean," as we had been instructed to do. We didn't dare let anyone come near for fear they would also get the dreaded disease. But I couldn't help crying out as he came close to us. "Jesus, Master, have mercy."�And he did.
If only they had given him a chance he could give them new life as he gave me new life. He healed our disease, but he also forgave our sins. Even though I was healed and forgiven, I find it amazing that he could forgive his own killers. But he did.
The Second Word -- Pardon
Hymn
"I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say"
Scripture
Luke 23:39-43
Solo
Today you will be with me my child
In paradise so fine,
Take heart and pray
May faith be yours
Until we cross that line.
Extinguish Second Candle
Words From The Thief
Look at us. Was that robbery worth this? No! If only I could live my life over ... Don't sneer. You're no better. We deserve what we're getting, but look at him. Anyone can see he's different. He's no criminal. Go on -- make fun if you want to, but I for one don't believe he should be here.
Lord Jesus, I don't understand why you're here. You've done no wrong. Please, Jesus, I've not lived a very good life, but would you remember me when you get to your kingdom? I don't know where that is, but I want the peace that surrounds you.
And Jesus answered me: "Today, you will be with me in paradise. "
The Third Word -- Concern
Hymn
"The Gift Of Love"
Scripture
John 19:25-27
Solo
Woman, behold your son anew,
And son behold and see
The one God chose
To bear his Son,
May she your mother be.
Extinguish Third Candle
Word From John
We all walked the journey with Jesus, and knew how much he loved his mother -- that close intimacy of mother and son which allows for teasing and joking and understanding in difficult times.
I remember the wedding feast -- just a short time after his wilderness experience. The groom's family had misjudged the number of folks and their pockets were not full of unspent coins, but Mary, in her casual, caring way, simply told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. Jesus was surprised, but would never do, or say, anything to cause her shame.
She understood his comment much later about everyone who does the Father's will being his mother and brothers and sisters. The brothers were angry, but she knew he must be about his Father's business.
She has been as close to me as my own mother. Of course, I will take her and love her and care for her just as Jesus would have done -- at least as far as God gives me strength to do.
The Fourth Word -- Loneliness
Hymn
"O Sacred Head Now Wounded"
Scripture
Matthew 27:45-49
Solo
The Savior bows his head and cries,
"My God forsake me not,
Why has thou turned
Away from me?
Why have you forsaken me?"
Extinguish Fourth Candle
Word From Mary Magdalene
I thought I knew what utter loneliness was. I was rejected by men and women alike. Oh, the men used me, the women laughed behind my back, but I was so lonely -- until Jesus came into my life.
I don't understand. God loved me through Jesus. He healed so many people through Jesus. We -- some of us, anyway -- believed Jesus was the Messiah, the chosen one, the Son of God. So why did God turn his back in this most trying time of his life?
Was God testing him, or allowing the evil one to test him like Job? Was it too painful for even God to watch his only begotten Son die so horribly?
The prophet Isaiah once said, "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:7-8). Is it possible he was prophesying about this day?
The Fifth Word -- Suffering
Hymn
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
Scripture
John 19:28-29
Solo
"I thirst," he cries out from the tree.
And soldiers standing there
Hasten to raise
The sponge to his lip
As death draws ever near.
Extinguish Fifth Candle
Words From A Samaritan Woman
Another time I heard him whisper those awful words of suffering. It was a hot day, about noon. The sun bore down on us like we were food in an oven. He sat at the edge of the well. No one else was near. He had nothing with which to draw water. Sweat dripped from his brow. As I drew a bucket of water from the well, he said, "I thirst. Give me a drink." He looked so sad. I wonder if he knew about this awful day.
He told me he would give living water if I only wanted it. Of course, I wanted it. I wouldn't have to ever go out in the heat of the day again to draw water, but that isn't what he meant. He soon made it clear the living water comes from within the Spirit.
I wonder if he's thinking of that living water now. Is that what he's thirsting for?
The Sixth Word -- Victory
Hymn
"'Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies"
Scripture
John 19:30
Solo
The Savior sighs in sweet relief
And whispers, "It is done,
My work on earth
Is finished now.
And I am going home."
Extinguish Sixth Candle
Words From Mary, The Mother Of Jesus
Yes, it is finished. What began so long ago in a little stable in Bethlehem has come to fulfillment. The angels sang that night from a star-filled sky. They led shepherds to come and worship. Starlight filled the stable.
Later, astronomers or kings came to visit. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What would they think if they could see him now?
The sun should be shining, but it is darker than midnight. No stars. No moon. No angels'�song of hallelujah. I can almost hear a song of mourning.
His work is finished -- at least for now. As painful as it is to watch him suffer and know that I will not see him again, I somehow feel that we have not seen the end of my Son. One part of his work is done, but the greater part of redemption is yet to come.
The Seventh Word -- Commitment
Hymn
"What Wondrous Love"
Scripture
Luke 23:44-49
Solo
Father, I commit my life to you,
In your hands I now give all.
Your will be done,
On earth and in heaven,
I have obeyed your call.
Extinguish Seventh Candle
Words From The Soldier
I always wanted to be a soldier for my emperor. As a small boy I dreamed of battles where I would save the country from the barbarians who would take over our land.
When the opportunity came for me to actually be a soldier, I was overjoyed. I worked hard and moved up in the ranks. I still dreamed of saving my country, but my dream began to fade the first time I had to stand guard for an execution. Watching helpless men being crucified for their crimes caused my stomach to churn. I could accept it only because they were criminals who deserved to be punished.
Now, once again, doubts fill my mind. This man was innocent. He committed no crime. So why the cruel fate of the tree? And beyond that, I really think -- no, I believe ... I mean ... Surely this man was the Son of God! What have we done? What have I done?
A Word Of Closing
Hymn
"Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross"
Benediction (Pastor)
As Good Friday comes to a close, Easter is only a day away. Go in peace, remembering the suffering, looking ahead to the joy, in the name of the risen Christ. May God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- grant you peace, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Solo
"Were You There?" (v. 1)
(a cappella in darkness)
An offering can be inserted after the Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements, or offering plates can be placed on a table where folks can use them on the way out.
For visual appeal, seven candles of various sizes and colors are placed on the altar. These can include the regular altar candles, or be in addition to them. They are extinguished one at a time after each section.
Participants in this service include:
Scripture Reader (either one person can read all, or a different person for each section)
Pastor
Liturgist
Leper
Thief
John
Mary Magdalene
Samaritan Woman
Mary, The Mother Of Jesus
Soldier
The soloist should be able to sing a cappella. The verses after each scripture reading are done to the tune of "Amazing Grace." For the closing solo, use only one verse of "Were You There?" For the best effect, this should be done in darkness.
Bulletin
Words Of The Cross
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Good Friday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
A Word Of Welcome
Call To Worship (Responsively)
John 3:16; Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 3:18a; John 1:29b
Leader:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
People:
He did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us.
Leader:
Christ also suffered for our sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous in order to bring you to God.
People:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Prayer (In Unison)
We shrink before pain and suffering, O Lord. We feel the impact of evil as we speak of Good Friday. Open our hearts. Open our understanding. May we reach beyond the suffering to the coming resurrection. Amen.
Hymn
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
The First Word -- Forgiveness
Hymn
"Jesus, Lover Of My Soul"
Scripture
Luke 23:32-38
Solo
Extinguish First Candle
Words From A Former Leper
The Second Word -- Pardon
Hymn
"I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say"
Scripture
Luke 23:39-43
Solo
Extinguish Second Candle
Words From The Thief
The Third Word -- Concern
Hymn
"The Gift Of Love"
Scripture
John 19:25-27
Solo
Extinguish Third Candle
Word From John
The Fourth Word -- Loneliness
Hymn
"O Sacred Head Now Wounded"
Scripture
Matthew 27:45-49
Solo
Extinguish Fourth Candle
Word From Mary Magdalene
The Fifth Word -- Suffering
Hymn
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
Scripture
John 19:28-29
Solo
Extinguish Fifth Candle
Words From A Samaritan Woman
The Sixth Word -- Victory
Hymn
"'Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies"
Scripture
John 19:30
Solo
Extinguish Sixth Candle
Words From Mary, The Mother Of Jesus
The Seventh Word -- Commitment
Hymn
"What Wondrous Love"
Scripture
Luke 23:44-49
Solo
Extinguish Seventh Candle
Words From The Soldier
A Word Of Closing
Hymn
"Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross"
Benediction (Pastor)
Solo
"Were You There?" (v. 1)
(a cappella in darkness)
Service
Words Of The Cross
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Good Friday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
A Word Of Welcome
Call To Worship (Responsively)
John 3:16; Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 3:18a; John 1:29b
Leader:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
People:
He did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us.
Leader:
Christ also suffered for our sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous in order to bring you to God.
People:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Prayer (In Unison)
We shrink before pain and suffering, O Lord. We feel the impact of evil as we speak of Good Friday. Open our hearts. Open our understanding. May we reach beyond the suffering to the coming resurrection. Amen.
Hymn
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
The First Word -- Forgiveness
Hymn
"Jesus, Lover Of My Soul"
Scripture
Luke 23:32-38
Solo (Tune "Amazing Grace")
Father, forgive them all this day,2
They know not what they do;
Forgive them now;
I give my life,
That they may come to you.
Extinguish First Candle
Words From A Former Leper
Listen to them. They jeer at him. They taunt him. Don't they know who he is? I was once a leper. There were ten of us that day walking along the road. We heard Jesus and his disciples approaching and we began to shout, "Unclean, unclean," as we had been instructed to do. We didn't dare let anyone come near for fear they would also get the dreaded disease. But I couldn't help crying out as he came close to us. "Jesus, Master, have mercy."�And he did.
If only they had given him a chance he could give them new life as he gave me new life. He healed our disease, but he also forgave our sins. Even though I was healed and forgiven, I find it amazing that he could forgive his own killers. But he did.
The Second Word -- Pardon
Hymn
"I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say"
Scripture
Luke 23:39-43
Solo
Today you will be with me my child
In paradise so fine,
Take heart and pray
May faith be yours
Until we cross that line.
Extinguish Second Candle
Words From The Thief
Look at us. Was that robbery worth this? No! If only I could live my life over ... Don't sneer. You're no better. We deserve what we're getting, but look at him. Anyone can see he's different. He's no criminal. Go on -- make fun if you want to, but I for one don't believe he should be here.
Lord Jesus, I don't understand why you're here. You've done no wrong. Please, Jesus, I've not lived a very good life, but would you remember me when you get to your kingdom? I don't know where that is, but I want the peace that surrounds you.
And Jesus answered me: "Today, you will be with me in paradise. "
The Third Word -- Concern
Hymn
"The Gift Of Love"
Scripture
John 19:25-27
Solo
Woman, behold your son anew,
And son behold and see
The one God chose
To bear his Son,
May she your mother be.
Extinguish Third Candle
Word From John
We all walked the journey with Jesus, and knew how much he loved his mother -- that close intimacy of mother and son which allows for teasing and joking and understanding in difficult times.
I remember the wedding feast -- just a short time after his wilderness experience. The groom's family had misjudged the number of folks and their pockets were not full of unspent coins, but Mary, in her casual, caring way, simply told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. Jesus was surprised, but would never do, or say, anything to cause her shame.
She understood his comment much later about everyone who does the Father's will being his mother and brothers and sisters. The brothers were angry, but she knew he must be about his Father's business.
She has been as close to me as my own mother. Of course, I will take her and love her and care for her just as Jesus would have done -- at least as far as God gives me strength to do.
The Fourth Word -- Loneliness
Hymn
"O Sacred Head Now Wounded"
Scripture
Matthew 27:45-49
Solo
The Savior bows his head and cries,
"My God forsake me not,
Why has thou turned
Away from me?
Why have you forsaken me?"
Extinguish Fourth Candle
Word From Mary Magdalene
I thought I knew what utter loneliness was. I was rejected by men and women alike. Oh, the men used me, the women laughed behind my back, but I was so lonely -- until Jesus came into my life.
I don't understand. God loved me through Jesus. He healed so many people through Jesus. We -- some of us, anyway -- believed Jesus was the Messiah, the chosen one, the Son of God. So why did God turn his back in this most trying time of his life?
Was God testing him, or allowing the evil one to test him like Job? Was it too painful for even God to watch his only begotten Son die so horribly?
The prophet Isaiah once said, "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:7-8). Is it possible he was prophesying about this day?
The Fifth Word -- Suffering
Hymn
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
Scripture
John 19:28-29
Solo
"I thirst," he cries out from the tree.
And soldiers standing there
Hasten to raise
The sponge to his lip
As death draws ever near.
Extinguish Fifth Candle
Words From A Samaritan Woman
Another time I heard him whisper those awful words of suffering. It was a hot day, about noon. The sun bore down on us like we were food in an oven. He sat at the edge of the well. No one else was near. He had nothing with which to draw water. Sweat dripped from his brow. As I drew a bucket of water from the well, he said, "I thirst. Give me a drink." He looked so sad. I wonder if he knew about this awful day.
He told me he would give living water if I only wanted it. Of course, I wanted it. I wouldn't have to ever go out in the heat of the day again to draw water, but that isn't what he meant. He soon made it clear the living water comes from within the Spirit.
I wonder if he's thinking of that living water now. Is that what he's thirsting for?
The Sixth Word -- Victory
Hymn
"'Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies"
Scripture
John 19:30
Solo
The Savior sighs in sweet relief
And whispers, "It is done,
My work on earth
Is finished now.
And I am going home."
Extinguish Sixth Candle
Words From Mary, The Mother Of Jesus
Yes, it is finished. What began so long ago in a little stable in Bethlehem has come to fulfillment. The angels sang that night from a star-filled sky. They led shepherds to come and worship. Starlight filled the stable.
Later, astronomers or kings came to visit. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What would they think if they could see him now?
The sun should be shining, but it is darker than midnight. No stars. No moon. No angels'�song of hallelujah. I can almost hear a song of mourning.
His work is finished -- at least for now. As painful as it is to watch him suffer and know that I will not see him again, I somehow feel that we have not seen the end of my Son. One part of his work is done, but the greater part of redemption is yet to come.
The Seventh Word -- Commitment
Hymn
"What Wondrous Love"
Scripture
Luke 23:44-49
Solo
Father, I commit my life to you,
In your hands I now give all.
Your will be done,
On earth and in heaven,
I have obeyed your call.
Extinguish Seventh Candle
Words From The Soldier
I always wanted to be a soldier for my emperor. As a small boy I dreamed of battles where I would save the country from the barbarians who would take over our land.
When the opportunity came for me to actually be a soldier, I was overjoyed. I worked hard and moved up in the ranks. I still dreamed of saving my country, but my dream began to fade the first time I had to stand guard for an execution. Watching helpless men being crucified for their crimes caused my stomach to churn. I could accept it only because they were criminals who deserved to be punished.
Now, once again, doubts fill my mind. This man was innocent. He committed no crime. So why the cruel fate of the tree? And beyond that, I really think -- no, I believe ... I mean ... Surely this man was the Son of God! What have we done? What have I done?
A Word Of Closing
Hymn
"Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross"
Benediction (Pastor)
As Good Friday comes to a close, Easter is only a day away. Go in peace, remembering the suffering, looking ahead to the joy, in the name of the risen Christ. May God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- grant you peace, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Solo
"Were You There?" (v. 1)
(a cappella in darkness)
