Good Friday

From the central panel of a Triptych. Ca. 1100 Southern Italy. Public Domain.

“An unbelieved truth can hurt a man much more than a lie. It takes great courage to back truth unacceptable to our times. There's a punishment for it, and it's usually crucifixion.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

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John 18:1-19:42

This is Good Friday. Below is a prayer of confession modeled after the Solemn Reproaches of the Cross, an ancient antiphon of the Byzantine Church. I found this liturgy moving for the Christian Calendar’s darkest day. I’ve also included link to Thomas Myrick’s cantor of the Reproaches. Finally, the Explore Further section includes a playlist of sacred and secular music for Good Friday.
 
Blessings,
 
Pastor Jared
 
A Prayer of Confession for Good Friday
 
The cross that held the Savior of the world.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy on us.
The cross that held the Savior of the world.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy on us.
The cross that held the Savior of the world.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy on us.
 
My people, my people, why have you forsaken me? Answer me! I delivered you from captivity through the water of baptism; but you handed me over to my captors, giving me up to die; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I fed you in the wilderness with the bread of life from heaven; but you are consumed with desire; biting and devouring one another; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I claimed you as my family, as branches of my vine; but you cut off my chosen ones, spilling innocent blood; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I spoke to you my Word, the promise of my love for all; but you silence my prophets, refusing to hear my voice; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I came to be your light, to overcome the darkness; but you remain in the shadows, hiding your light from the world; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I gave you the keys to my realm and welcomed you inside; but you turn away strangers, closing the doors that I open; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I offered you my peace and clothed you with compassion; but you divide my garments, tearing apart what I design; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I sent my Holy Spirit to empower you with grace; but you trust your own devices, squandering my good gifts; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord, have mercy.
I came to dwell among you as the Word made flesh; but you ignore neighbors in need, failing to recognize my face; and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.
Lord have mercy.
 
Thomas Myrick performs “The Reproaches” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIWvA-l_0pU.