This is part of the worship series,
"Grief Over Injustice, Hope for Wholeness”
Introduction
Lent 1 | Lent 2 | Lent 3 | Lent 4 | Lent 5
Palm/Passion Sunday | Good Friday | Easter Sunday
GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday, we look at the depth of injustice: the Lord of heaven and earth betrayed, mistreated, condemned, and unjustly judged. That which was the epitome of good and holy was treated as refuse. We journey through the whole passion narrative with readings from The Message, and the sermon asked us to consider the ways we might be like Pilate, washing our hands and turning a blind eye toward the injustice we witness.
The song “How Long, O Lord, How Long” Steumpfle, (a setting we used throughout the series) became a central theme in a prayer of lament in this service.
Gathering
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Today we remember Jesus was crucified.
He was pierced for our transgressions.
He suffered and died for our iniquities.
We remember the sacrifice of our Lord with gratitude
because his death gives us life and brings redemption to the world.
Let us worship our Savior.
—Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, Second Edition © 2013, Faith Alive Christian Resources (TWS M.1.2.2).
God Greets Us
Song
“Meekness and Majesty” Kendrick
The Passover
Reading
Matthew 26:20–25 (MSG)
Song
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” Townend
Gethsemane
Reading
Matthew 26:31–46 (MSG)
Song
“Go to Dark Gethsemane” (st. 1–2) Montgomery
Betrayal
Reading
Matthew 26:47–56 (MSG)
Song
“What Wondrous Love Is This” (st. 1–3) Anonymous
False Charges
Reading
Matthew 26:57–68 (MSG)
Song
“Ah, Holy Jesus, How Have You Offended” Heermann
Denial in the Courtyard
Reading
Matthew 26:69–75 (MSG)
Song
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Watts
We Hear God’s Word
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture
Matthew 27:11–26
Message
“The Greatest Injustice of All”
We Give Our Offerings of Thanks
Prayer of Lament
Christ identified completely with us in suffering, even unto death. He is our Savior-Intercessor who sympathizes with our weakness. What better time than Good Friday to practice the spiritual discipline of lament, to express solidarity with those who are suffering, including Jesus himself? On Good Friday, we lament with Jesus.
Song
“How Long, O Lord, How Long” Steumpfle
[Congregation sings st. 1, 2]
We pray for the hungry around the world,
for all those who don’t know where their next meal will come from,
for those who long to nourish their children with good things,
and for those whose crops have failed yet again.
We pray for those in our own community struggling with food insecurity.
Grant wisdom and guidance to those who minister among the hungry.
[Congregation sings st. 3]
We pray for those experiencing homelessness in our community,
and for those facing the devastating effect of rising housing costs.
We pray for organizations and individuals who minister among them.
[Congregation sings st. 5]
We pray for victims of prejudice,
for those facing oppression because of gender, race, or class.
Help us to see you, Lord, in the people we encounter
and to love others as you love us.
[Congregation sings st. 7, 8]
The Crucifixion
Reading
Matthew 27:27–54 (MSG)
Song
“Were You There” African American spiritual
The Tomb
Reading
Matthew 27:57–66 (MSG)
God’s Parting Blessing
Song
“Oh, to See the Dawn” Getty and Townend
Depart in silence.
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Lent—Liturgy of the Passion
Year A, B, C: Holy Week—Holy Saturday
