On this solemn evening,
come, Holy Spirit,
that we might be comforted by your presence
and that our reading of this story
might be filled with wisdom, compassion, and understanding. Amen.
God of the cross,
For us, sinners though we are, you were nailed to a cross.
For us, you took a final breath, and walked willingly into the darkness.
For us, you were broken. For us, you lived. For us, you died.
You do not deserve this death. We do not deserve your life.
God of grace, give our hearts courage to accept your grace
and to respond to the life that was given for all.
Guide us through the darkness ahead
that we might be renewed by the light that is to come.
It the name of the Blessed One who was taken and broken, we pray.
Amen.
As the sun gives way to darkness, the shadows of death are upon us.
This evening brings the last leg of Jesus’ journey to the cross.
Our Savior has broken the bread of life and poured the cup of salvation.
Tonight, his body will be broken and his life poured out.
Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities.
Upon him was the punishment that made us whole;
our lives come at the cost of his death.
In solemn remembrance,
we remember the saving death of our Teacher and Friend.
We linger in this dark hour,
waiting for its story,
trusting that death will not have the final word…
