Good Friday

Devotion before the Cross

Officiant enters in silence while all kneel in silent prayer)

The Word of God

Please stand

All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned every one to his own way,

People: And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Officiant: Let us pray.

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lessons of the Day

Genesis 22:1-18

¹After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” ² He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” ³ So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. ⁴ On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. ⁵ Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” ⁶ And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. ⁷ And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” ⁸ Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

⁹ When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. ¹⁰ Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. ¹¹ But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” ¹² He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” ¹³ And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. ¹⁴ So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

¹⁵ And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven ¹⁶ and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, ¹⁷ I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, ¹⁸ and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 22:1-11

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, *

and are so far from my cry, and from the words of my complaint?

² O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not hear; *

in the night season also, but I find no rest.

³ But you remain holy, *

enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

⁴ Our fathers hoped in you; *

they trusted in you, and you delivered them.

⁵ They called upon you, and were delivered; *

they put their trust in you, and were not confounded.

⁶ But as for me, I am a worm, and no man, *

scorned by all, and the outcast of the people.

⁷ All those who see me laugh me to scorn; *

they curl their lips, and shake their heads, saying,

⁸ “He trusted in God, that he would deliver him; *

let him deliver him, if he will have him.”

⁹ But you are he that took me out of my mother’s womb; *

you were my hope, when I was yet upon my mother’s breasts.

¹⁰ I have been cast upon you ever since I was born; *

you are my God, even from my mother’s womb.

¹¹ O go not far from me, for trouble is near at hand, *

and there is none to help me.

Hebrews 10:1-25

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,

but a body have you prepared for me;

in burnt offerings and sin offerings

you have taken no pleasure.

Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,

as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”

When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

“This is the covenant that I will make with them

after those days, declares the Lord:

I will put my laws on their hearts,

and write them on their minds,”

then he adds,

“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

The customary responses before and after the Gospel are omitted.

John 19:1-37

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,

and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

The Sermon:

The Rev. Chris Hill, Associate Rector

The Solemn Collects

All standing, the Officiant says;

Dear People of God: Our heavenly Father sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved; that all who believe in him might be delivered from the power of sin and death, and become heirs with him of everlasting life.

We pray, therefore, for people everywhere according to their needs.

The biddings may be read by a Deacon or other person appointed. The Officiant says the Collects. The People may be directed to stand or kneel.

Let us pray for the holy Church throughout the world: that the Lord our God may preserve her in unity, peace, and safety, bringing into divine subjection all powers and principalities; and that he may grant us to dwell in such peace and tranquility that we may show forth the glory of God.

Silence

Almighty Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth, with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

Let us pray for James our Bishop and for Foley our Archbishop: that the Lord our God, who has appointed them to this office, may preserve them in health and safety for the governance of God’s holy people.

Silence

Almighty and everlasting God, whose judgment upholds all things both in heaven and on earth: as you have appointed these your servants to be our Bishops, so also defend them by your mercy against all adversities; that we, acknowledging you as the great Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, may so prosper by their care that we may bring forth the fruit of righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons; and for all God’s holy People.

Silence

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let us pray for Donald Trump our President and for all in Civil Authority; that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek God’s honor and glory: and that we, remembering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honor them in accordance with God’s holy Word.

Silence

Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting and whose power is infinite: We commend our nation to your merciful care, that being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to our President/Sovereign/Prime Minister, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray to God the Father Almighty, that he would cleanse the world from all evil; deliver it from pestilence and famine; set free those who are in captivity; restore the sick to health; and bring those who travel to a haven of safety.

Silence

Gracious God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who suffer: Let the cry of those in misery and need come to you, that they may find your mercy present with them in all their afflictions; and give us, we pray, the strength to serve them for the sake of him who suffered for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

Let us pray for all those who are afflicted with COVID-19, for their caretakers, for those who have died from that disease, for the bereaved, and for the scientists who are working to find a cure and a vaccine for the disease.

Silence

Almighty and immortal God, healer of the sick and source of all knowledge: We implore your mercy for your servants who have been afflicted by the COVID-19 virus, that by thy blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them with thy healing gifts, they may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will; for those who have died, that you may receive them into the arms of your mercy; and that by your leading the scientists and physicians may quickly find a cure and a vaccine which will protect all people, that it be available to all people and that all take advantage of it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray to the Great Physician, that he would deliver us from this pestilence through the development of a vaccine.

Silence

Almighty God, in your goodness you created the earth and all its elements; and have given us skill to make medicines that heal and relieve our pain. Grant our scientists the insight and ability to develop a vaccine to protect us from COVID-19. We acknowledge that all forms of healing come from you. So, in you we put out trust. Grant that this vaccine may, in your mercy, deliver us from this illness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for all who are in heresy or schism: that the Lord our God may deliver them from all false doctrine, and restore them to the faith and unity of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

Silence

O God of truth and love, who desires not the death of sinners but rather that they should turn from their wickedness and live: Look with mercy on those who are deceived by the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil; that the hearts of those who have gone astray may be restored to wisdom and return to the way of truth in the unity of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for the Jewish people: that the Lord our God may look graciously upon them, and that they may come to know Jesus as the Messiah, and as the Lord of all.

Silence

Almighty and everlasting God, you established your covenant with Abraham and his seed: Hear the prayers of your Church, that the people through whom you brought blessing to the world may also receive the blessing of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for all those who do not believe in Christ, that the Holy Spirit may enlighten them through the Gospel and bring them into the way of salvation.

Silence

Merciful God, creator of all the peoples of the earth and lover of souls: Have compassion on all who do not know you as you are revealed in your Son Jesus Christ; let your Gospel be preached with grace and power to those who have not heard it; turn the hearts of those who resist it; and bring home to your fold those who have gone astray; that there may be one flock under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us commit ourselves to our God, and pray for the grace of a holy life, that, with all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to God alone, we may be accounted worthy to enter into the fullness of the joy of our Lord, and receive the crown of life in the day of resurrection.

Silence

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Devotion Before The Cross

(3x)

Behold the wood of the Cross, on which was hung the world’s Salvation.

O come, let us adore him. (3 times)

Music for reflection: The Day Ten Thousand Angels Cried

THE REPROACHES

O my people, what have I done to you?

How have I wearied you? Testify against me.

I brought you forth from the land of bondage,

and led you through the waters of salvation,

and you have prepared a Cross for your Savior.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

I led you through the desert forty years,

and fed you with the bread of heaven;

I brought you into the land of promise,

and you have prepared a Cross for your Savior.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

What could I have done for you that I have not done?

I planted you, my vineyard, to bear sweet fruit;

but you have become very bitter to me,

and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

I passed over your first-born and delivered them from death,

and you have delivered me into the hands of my enemies;

I led you in the pillar of cloud,

and you have led me into the judgment hall of Pilate.

O my people, what have I done to you?

How have I wearied you? Testify against me.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

I struck down the kings of the Canaanites for your sake,

and you struck my head with a reed;

I gave you a royal inheritance,

and you have crowned my head with thorns.

O my people, what have I done to you?

How have I wearied you? Testify against me.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

I opened the rock and gave you to drink from the water of life,

and you have opened my side with a spear.

I raised you on high with great power,

and you have hanged me high upon the Cross.

O my church, what have I done to you?

How have I wearied you? Testify against me.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

The repeated chant is sung:

Jesus, remember me, when I come into your kingdom.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER

Officiant: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.