Good Friday Self-Guided Retreat (4/10/20)
Introduction
Opening Prayer
O Christ, who forsook no one but was forsaken by the closest of friends, and who committed no crime yet was sentenced to a criminal’s death, we enter your presence in awe and adoration. On this day, centuries ago, you could have saved your life, but you refused to betray the purpose for which you had come. You came into the world to love God and neighbor as yourself, and when that love required you to shoulder a cross, you summoned the strength to bear it. Today, O Christ, as we listen to your words and look upon your cross, teach us its meaning once again and help us to take up our cross and follow you. Amen.
The First Word
Reading
Luke 23:32-38
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Reflection
The first saying is traditionally called “the word of forgiveness.” How does this word show you the heart of God?
Take a moment to contemplate the visual representation. How does the image help you reflect on this saying?
In a posture of prayer, imagine Jesus speaking these words about you. How do you want to respond?
Prayer
Loving Father, to whom your crucified Son prayed for the forgiveness of those who did not know what they were doing, grant that we too may be included in that prayer. Whether we sin out of ignorance or intention, be merciful to us and grant us your acceptance and peace in the name of Jesus Christ, our suffering Savior. Amen.
The Second Word
Reading
Luke 23:39-43
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Reflection
The second saying is traditionally called “the word of salvation.” How does this word show you the heart of God?
Take a moment to contemplate the visual representation. How does the image help you reflect on this saying?
In a posture of prayer, imagine Jesus speaking these words to you. How do you want to respond?
Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, who promised the penitent thief the joy of paradise, enable us by the Holy Spirit to repent and to receive your grace in this world and in the world to come. Amen.
The Third Word
Reading
John 19:25-27
Meanwhile, standing near 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 beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
Reflection
The third saying is traditionally called “the word of relationship.” What does this word show you about the heart of God?
Take a moment to contemplate the visual representation. How does the image help you reflect on this saying?
In a posture of prayer, imagine Jesus speaking these words to you. Who is he calling you to care for? How do you want to respond?
Prayer
O blessed Savior, in your hour of greatest suffering you expressed compassion for your mother and made arrangements for her care; grant that we who seek to follow your example may show our concern for the needs of others, reaching out to provide for those who suffer in our human family. Hear this our prayer for your mercy’s sake. Amen.
The Fourth Word
Reading
Matthew 27:45-46
From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Reflection
The fourth saying is traditionally called “the word of abandonment.” It is from the first line of Psalm 22. What does this word show you about Jesus’ life of prayer?
Take a moment to contemplate the visual representation. How does the image help you reflect on this saying?
How do you want to respond to Jesus’ words?
Prayer
O suffering God, who knows the pain of loss, you are with us even when we cannot see you or sense you. When our words finally fail in the shadow of our grief, help us to groan with all creation and with the sighs of your Sprit. Amen.
The Fifth Word
Reading
John 19:28-29
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth.
Reflection
The fifth saying is traditionally called “the word of distress.” What does this saying show you about Jesus?
Take a moment to contemplate the visual representation. How does the image help you reflect on this saying?
How do you want to respond to Jesus’ words?
Prayer
O blessed Savior, whose lips were dry and whose throat was parched, grant us the water of life, that we who thirst after righteousness may find it quenched by your love and mercy, leading us to bring this same relief to others. Amen.
The Sixth Word
Reading
John 19:30
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Reflection
The sixth saying is traditionally called “the word of triumph.” What does this word tell you about God?
Take a moment to contemplate the visual representation. How does the image help you reflect on this saying?
How do you want to respond to Jesus’ words?
Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, you finished the work that you were sent to do; enable us by your Holy Spirit to be faithful to our call. Grant us strength to bear our crosses and endure our sufferings, even unto death. Enable us to live and love so faithfully that we also become good news to the world, joining your witness, O Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
The Seventh Word
Reading
Luke 23:46-49
Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Reflection
The seventh saying is traditionally called “the word of reunion.” How does this word show you the heart of God?
Take a moment to contemplate the visual representation. How does the image help you reflect on this saying?
How do you want to respond to Jesus’ words? How might these words become your own prayer?
Prayer
Father, into whose hands your Son, Jesus Christ, commended his spirit, grant that we too, following his example, may in all of life and at the moment of our death entrust our lives into your faithful hands of love. In the name of Jesus, who gave his life for us all. Amen.
Conclusion
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect back on the cross of Christ, the words he spoke, and this time you have spent today.
Sit in stillness, grieving for your sorrows, repenting of your sins, receiving all his love.
How will you respond to this great love?
Closing Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, our suffering God, our minds do not grasp the length and breadth, the height and depth of your love for us sinners, poured out in your precious blood. Our minds cannot grasp your unfathomable love, but we behold it in your cross and hold it in our hearts.
Amen.
Art by Scott Erickson.
Prayers adapted from The Worship Sourcebook.
Music from Dwell. Sign up for free access to the audio bible app here.
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