Good Friday Service
Our Good Friday service continues our series on words from the cross and is based on Luke 23: 44-49. The service is designed to be used in conjunction with the order of service email earlier but also available to download here.
Watch the Good Friday Service in its entirety here.
Call to Worship
`God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8).
Opening Prayer & Confession
Saviour of the world, we come to give thanks and praise for all you have done for us. You did not deserve to die, and we did not deserve you. Crucified between criminals, cursed and spat upon, you chose death so that we could have life. Forgive us for not knowing what we have done; open our eyes to see what you are doing now, as through wood and nails you transform us by your grace. Amen.
Opening song
Activity
Making a paper cross (see separate instruction sheet)
Reading Luke 23:44-49 (WEBBE)
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.
47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” 48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. 49 All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Godly Play: The Lenten Cross
Song
How deep is the father’s love for us
Good Friday Reflection
Watch the Good Friday Service in its entirety here.
WORDS FROM THE CROSS (5)
`Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’
Our series for Lent, Words from the Cross, ends today. Among Jesus’ last words are “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Mark 15:34). Last night we looked at Jesus’ final words in John’s gospel, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Today we focus on the last words of Jesus according to Luke, `Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ (23:46).
This was the traditional prayer of every devout Jew before going to sleep. Jesus chose to pray this prayer as he entered into the ultimate sleep – death. This prayer quoted by Jesus is found in Psalm 31:5. In that Psalm King David was asking to be preserved from death, but when Jesus, son of David, prayed this prayer, it was a prayer of trust at the moment of death.
Jesus prayed this prayer in a way no other Jew had ever prayed it because he added the word `Father.’ Jesus always sought to please the Father (John 8:29). Even from a young age Jesus knew he had to be in his Father’s house (Luke 2:49). In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Just as the Father was Jesus’ concern throughout his life, so his Father was his concern in death.
Also, this Jewish bedtime prayer goes on to say `Redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.’ That’s exactly what Jesus was doing when he gave up his life – redeeming us, exchanging his life for ours, he took our place on that cross. Luke tells us, `Then he breathed his last’ (23:46).
Maybe it’s impossible to say, but what would be your dying prayer? Would it be a prayer of trust in your Redeemer? I hope so. Let’s pray.
Prayers
Mighty God, Lord of life and death, hold us in your hands throughout our lives; we pray for the world at this time, that people may hear the good news of the Saviour; we pray for those closest to us, our families, our church family, our friends and neighbours; we also pray for our government and our Prime Minister, for medical staff and all still working to keep essential services running. We pray for those who are isolated and struggling, especially those who have lost loved ones during this difficult season in the life of the world. Lord, have mercy on us for your glory’s sake. Amen.
Song
When I survey the wondrous cross
Closing Prayer & Blessing
Loving God, we thank you that on Good Friday you showed your love for us by giving your only Son Jesus to die upon the cross. Father, we now commit our lives into your hands, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessing
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.