The Three Days to Easter The second service: Good Friday The congregation and the minister enter in...

The Three Days to EasterThe second service:

Good Friday

The congregation and the minister enter in silence

This Service Order is reproduced from Church Rites: Lutheran Church of Australia, Open Book Publishers, 1994. Permission for use assigned to

Lutheran Congregations.

All liturgy for this service is spoken.

All liturgy for this

service is spoken…

M: God forbid that I should boast of anything

C: but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

M: In him is salvation, life, and resurrection from the dead;

C: by him we are redeemed and set free.

M: May God be gracious to us and bless us,

C: and make his face shine upon us

M: The Lord be with you

C: And also with you

M: Jesus loved his own who were in the world and he loved them to the end.

Let us pray:

C: Almighty God, look graciously on this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and given up into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The First Reading for Good Friday is written in chapter 52 of Isaiah beginning at verse 13.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (CEV)

Isaiah 52:13-53:12The Lord says: My servant will succeed! He will be given great praise and the highest honours. Many were horrified at what happened to him. But everyone who saw him was even more horrified because he suffered until he no longer looked human. My servant will make nations worthy to worship me; kings will be silent as they bow in wonder.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12They will see and think about things

they have never seen or thought about before.

Has anyone believed us or seen the mighty power of the Lord in action? Like a young plant or a root that sprouts in dry ground, the servant grew up obeying the Lord. He wasn’t some handsome king. Nothing about the way he looked made him attractive to us.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12He was hated and rejected; his life

was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him.

We despised him and said, “He is a nobody!”

He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12All of us were like sheep that had

wandered off. We had each gone our own way, but the Lord gave him the punishment we deserved.

He was painfully abused, but he did not complain. He was silent like a lamb being led to the butcher, as quiet as a sheep having its wool cut off. He was condemned to death without a fair trial. Who could have imagined what would happen to him?

Isaiah 52:13-53:12His life was taken away because of the

sinful things my people had done. He wasn’t dishonest or violent, but he was buried in a tomb of cruel and rich people.

The Lord decided his servant would suffer as a sacrifice to take away the sin and guilt of others. Now the servant will live to see his own descendants. He did everything the Lord had planned. By suffering, the servant will learn the true meaning of obeying the Lord.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12Although he is innocent, he will take the

punishment for the sins of others, so that many of them will no longer be guilty. The Lord will reward him with honour and power for sacrificing his life. Others thought he was a sinner, but he suffered for our sins and asked God to forgive us.

R: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

R: The Psalm is Psalm 22 R: 1My God, my God, why have you

deserted me? Why are you so far away? Won't you listen to my groans and come

to my rescue? C: 2I cry out day and night, but you

don't answer, and I can never rest.

R: 3Yet you are the holy God, ruling from your throne and praised by Israel.

C: 4Our ancestors trusted you, and you rescued them.

R: 5When they cried out for help, you saved them, and you did not let them down when they depended on you.

C: 6But I am merely a worm, far less than human, and I am hated and rejected by people everywhere.

R: 7Everyone who sees me makes fun and sneers. They shake their heads, 8and say,

C: "Trust the LORD! If you are his favourite, let him protect you and keep you safe.”

R: 9You, LORD, brought me safely through birth, and you protected me when I was a baby at my mother's breast.

C: 10From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.

R: 11Don't stay far off when I am in trouble with no one to help me.

C: 12Enemies are all around like a herd of wild bulls. Powerful bulls from Bashan are everywhere.

R: 13My enemies are like lions roaring and attacking with jaws open wide.

C: 14I have no more strength than a few drops of water. All my bones are out of joint; my heart is like melted wax.

R: 15My strength has dried up like a broken clay pot, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.

You, God, have left me to die in the dirt.C: 16Brutal enemies attack me like a

pack of dogs, tearing at my hands and my feet.

R: 17I can count all my bones, and my enemies just stare and sneer at me.

C: 18They took my clothes and gambled for them.

R: 19Don't stay far away, LORD! My strength comes from you, so hurry

and help. C: 20Rescue me from enemy swords

and save me from those dogs. R: 21Don't let lions eat me. You rescued

me from the horns of wild bulls, C: 22and when your people meet, I will

praise you, LORD.

R: 23All who worship the LORD, now praise him!

You belong to Jacob's family and to the people of Israel, so fear and honour the LORD!

C: 24The LORD doesn't hate or despise the helpless in all of their troubles. When I cried out, he listened and did not turn away.

R: 25When your people meet, you will fill my heart with your praises, LORD, and everyone will see me keep my promises to you.

C: 26The poor will eat and be full, and all who worship you will be thankful and live in hope.

R: 27Everyone on this earth will remember you, LORD. People all over the world will turn and worship you,

C: 28because you are in control, the ruler of all nations.

R: 29All who are rich and have more than enough will bow down to you, LORD.

Even those who are dying and almost in the grave will come and bow down.

C: 30In the future, everyone will worship and learn about you, our LORD.

R: 31People not yet born will be told, "The LORD has saved us!"

C: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit;

As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever.

Amen.

Hebrews 10:16-25 R: The Second Reading is written in

Chapter 10 of Hebrews, beginning at Verse 16

Hebrews 10:16-25 (CEV)Jesus, our priest and sacrifice

Hebrews 10:16-25 16"When the time comes,

I will make an agreement with them. I will write my laws on their minds and hearts. 17Then I will forget about their sins and no longer remember their evil deeds." 18When sins are forgiven, there is no more need to offer sacrifices.

Hebrews 10:16-25 19My friends, the blood of Jesus gives

us courage to enter the most holy place 20by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself.

21We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house. 22So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith.

Hebrews 10:16-25 Let's keep our hearts pure, our

consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. 24We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things

Hebrews 10:16-25 25Some people have gotten out of the

habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the LORD'S coming is getting closer.

This is the Word of the Lord

C: Thanks be to God

The Holy Gospel is written in chapter 18 and 19 of the Gospel according to St John, beginning at verse 1

C: Glory to you, O Lord.

When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples crossed the Kidron Valley and went into a garden.

Jesus had often met there with his disciples, and Judas knew where

the place was.

John 18:1 – 19:42 Judas had promised to betray Jesus. So

he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, “Who are you looking for?”

They answered, “We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!”

John 18:1 – 19:42 Jesus told them, “I am Jesus!” At once

they all backed away and fell to the ground.

Jesus again asked, “Who are you looking for?”

“ We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth,” they answered.

This time Jesus replied, “I have already told you that I am Jesus. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. Then everything will happen, just as the Scriptures say, ‘I did not lose anyone you gave me.’”

John 18:1 – 19:42 Simon Peter had brought along a sword.

He now pulled it out and struck at the servant of the high priest. The servant’s name was Malchus, and Peter cut off his right ear. Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away. I must drink from the cup that the Father has given me.”

John 18:1 – 19:42 The Roman officer and his men, together

with the temple police, arrested Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. This was the same Caiaphas who had told the people, “It is better if one person dies for the people.”

John 18:1 – 19:42 Simon Peter and another disciple

followed Jesus. That disciple knew the high priest, and he followed Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest’s house. Peter stayed outside near the gate. But the other disciple came back out and spoke to the girl at the gate. She let Peter go in, but asked him, “Aren’t you one of that man’s followers?”

“No, I am not!” Peter answered.

John 18:1 – 19:42 It was cold, and the servants and temple

police had made a charcoal fire. They were warming themselves around it, when Peter went over and stood near the fire to warm himself.

The high priest questioned Jesus about his followers and his teaching. But Jesus told him, “I have spoken freely in front of everyone. And I have always taught in our meeting places and in the temple, where all of our people come together.

John 18:1 – 19:42 I have not said anything in secret. Why are you questioning me? Why don’t you ask the people who heard me? They know what I have said.”

As soon as Jesus said this, one of the temple police hit him and said, “That’s no way to talk to the high priest!”

Jesus answered, “If I have done something wrong, say so. But if not, why did you hit me?” Jesus was still tied up, and Annas sent him to Caiaphas the high priest.

John 18:1 – 19:42 While Simon Peter was standing there

warming himself, someone asked him, “Aren’t you one of Jesus’ followers?”

Again Peter denied it and said, “No, I am not!”

One of the high priest’s servants was there. He was a relative of the servant whose ear Peter had cut off, and he asked, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with that man?”

Once more Peter denied it, and right then a rooster crowed.

John 18:1 – 19:42 It was early in the morning when Jesus

was taken from Caiaphas to the building where the Roman governor stayed. But the crowd waited outside. Any of them who had gone inside would have become unclean and would not be allowed to eat the Passover meal.

Pilate came out and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”

They answered, “He is a criminal! That’s why we brought him to you.”

John 18:1 – 19:42

Pilate told them, “Take him and judge him by your own laws.”

The crowd replied, “We are not allowed to put anyone to death.” And so what Jesus said about his death would soon come true.

Pilate then went back inside. He called Jesus over and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

John 18:1 – 19:42 Jesus answered, “Are you asking this

on your own or did someone tell you about me?”

“You know I’m not a Jew!” Pilate said. “Your own people and the chief priests brought you to me. What have you done?”

Jesus answered, “My kingdom doesn’t belong to this world. If it did, my followers would have fought to keep me from being handed over to our leaders.

John 18:1 – 19:42 No, my kingdom doesn’t belong to this

world.”“So you are a king,” Pilate replied.“You are saying that I am a king,” Jesus

told him. “I was born into this world to tell about the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth knows my voice.”

Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”

John 18:1 – 19:42 Pilate went back out and said, “I don’t

find this man guilty of anything! And since I usually set a prisoner free for you at Passover, would you like for me to set free the king of the Jews?”

They shouted, “No, not him! We want Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a terrorist.

Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him.

John 18:1 – 19:42 They came up to him and said, “Hey,

you king of the Jews!” They also hit him with their fists.

Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, “I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty.”

Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, “Here is the man!”

John 18:1 – 19:42 When the chief priests and the temple

police saw him, they yelled, “Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!”

Pilate told them, “You take him and nail him to a cross! I don’t find him guilty of anything.”

The crowd replied, “He claimed to be the Son of God! Our Law says that he must be put to death.”

When Pilate heard this, he was terrified. He went back inside and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not answer.

John 18:1 – 19:42 “Why won’t you answer my question?”

Pilate asked. “Don’t you know that I have the power to let you go free or to nail you to a cross?”

Jesus replied, “If God had not given you the power, you couldn’t do anything at all to me. But the one who handed me over to you did something even worse.”

Then Pilate wanted to set Jesus free. But the crowd again yelled, “If you set this man free, you are no friend of the Emperor! Anyone who claims to be a king is an enemy of the Emperor.”

John 18:1 – 19:42 When Pilate heard this, he brought

Jesus out. Then he sat down on the judge’s bench at the place known as “The Stone Pavement.” In Aramaic this pavement is called “Gabbatha”. It was about noon on the day before Passover, and Pilate said to the crowd, “Look at your king!”

“Kill him! Kill him!” they yelled. “Nail him to a cross!”

John 18:1 – 19:42

“So you want me to nail your king to a cross?” Pilate asked.

The chief priests replied, “The Emperor is our king!” Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be nailed to a cross.

Jesus was taken away, and he carried his cross to a place known as “The Skull”. In Aramaic this place is called “Golgotha”.

John 18:1 – 19:42

There Jesus was nailed to the cross, and on each side of him a man was also nailed to a cross.

Pilate ordered the charge against Jesus to be written on a board and put above the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The words were written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

John 18:1 – 19:42 The place where Jesus was taken wasn’t

far from the city, and many of the people read the charge against him. So the chief priests went to Pilate and said, “Why did you write that he is the King of the Jews? You should have written, ‘He claimed to be King of the Jews’.”

But Pilate told them, “What is written will not be changed!”

John 18:1 – 19:42 After the soldiers had nailed Jesus to the

cross, they divided up his clothes into four parts, one for each of them. But his outer garment was made from a single piece of cloth, and it did not have any seams. The soldiers said to each other, “Let’s not rip it apart. We will gamble to see who gets it.” This happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say,

“They divided up my clothes and gambled for my garments.”

John 18:1 – 19:42

The soldiers then did what they had decided.

Jesus’ mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. When Jesus saw his mother and his favourite disciple with her, he said to his mother, “This man is now your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “She is now your mother.”

John 18:1 – 19:42 From then on, that disciple took her into

his own home.Jesus knew that he had now finished his

work. And in order to make the Scriptures come true, he said, “I am thirsty!” A jar of cheap wine was there. Someone then soaked a sponge with the wine and held it up to Jesus’ mouth on the stem of a hyssop plant. After Jesus drank the wine, he said, “Everything is done!” He bowed his head and died.

John 18:1 – 19:42 The next day would be both a Sabbath

and the Passover. It was a special day for the Jewish people, and they did not want the bodies to stay on the crosses during that day. So they asked Pilate to break the men’s legs and take their bodies down. The soldiers first broke the legs of the other two men who were nailed there. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, and they did not break his legs.

John 18:1 – 19:42

One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side, and blood and water came out. We know this is true, because it was told by someone who saw it happen. Now you can have faith too. All this happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say, “No bone of his body will be broken” and, “They will see the one in whose side they stuck a spear.”

John 18:1 – 19:42

Joseph from Arimathea was one of Jesus’ disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. But now he asked Pilate to let him have Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, and Joseph took it down from the cross.

Nicodemus also came with about seventy-five pounds of spices made from myrrh and aloes.

John 18:1 – 19:42 This was the same Nicodemus who had

visited Jesus one night. The two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead. In the place where Jesus had been nailed to a cross, there was a garden with a tomb that had never been used.

The tomb was nearby, and since it was the time to prepare for the Sabbath, they were in a hurry to put Jesus’ body there.

M: This is the gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.M: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ,

for completing our salvation on the cross. Help us always to trust in your atoning death.

C: Amen.

We sing :

There is a green hill far away

LH84 CAL293

Cecil Frances Alexander (1823 -1895)


1. There is a green hill far away,Without a city wall,

Where the dear Lord was crucified,Who died to save us all.


2. We may not know, we cannot tellwhat pains He had to bear;

But we believe it was for usHe hung and suffered there.


3. He died that we might be forgiven,

He died to make us good;

That we might go at last to heaven,

Saved by His precious blood.


4. There was no other good enough

To pay the price of sin;

He only could unlock the gate

Of heaven, and let us in.


5. O dearly, dearly has He loved,

And we must love Him too.

And trust in His redeeming blood,

And try His works to do.

†

Sermon

Our Lord Jesus speaks to us

through John’s Gospel

Through our Pastor

Luther’s Explanation 2nd Article

of the Creed

I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord.He is truly God – he has always been the Son of the Father.He is also a real human being.The Virgin Mary’s son.

Jesus rescued me when I was lost and sentenced to death.He set me free from all my sins, from death, and from the power of the devil.


of the Creed

It cost him more than gold or silver;it cost him his life.Even though he was holy and innocent, he suffered and died for me.


of the Creed

Jesus did this so that I can belong to him, and he can rule over me as my king.


of the Creed

I can live under him and serve him, innocent and happy forever, just as he was raised to life, and lives and rules forever. This is certainly true.


of the Creed

Bidding Prayer

M: On this most sacred day when our Lord, who has been lifted up to draw all people to himself, has gone before us to the Father, we his body stand with him before the Father and intercede for his church and his world.

Bidding Prayer

M: Let us pray for the holy church of God throughout the world, that God the almighty Father will grant peace to his church, preserve it in unity, and protect it throughout the world.

(Silent prayer)

M: Almighty Father, you have shown your glory to all nations in Christ your Son: Guide the work of your church; help it to persevere in faith, proclaim your name, and bring salvation to all people everywhere.

Lord in your mercy:

C: Hear our prayer.

M: Let us pray for the president of our church, Michael, and our district president, Tim, for all pastors and servants of the church, and for all the people of God.

(Silent prayer)

M: Almighty Father, you guide the church and keep it holy. Help all

of us to work faithfully for you.

Lord in your mercy:

C: Hear our prayer.

M: Let us pray for those who are searching for faith in God or being prepared for baptism, that God will wash them in the waters of new birth, and give them his Holy Spirit.

(Silent prayer)

M: Almighty Father, you continually add new members to your church. Increase the faith and understanding of those being prepared for baptism. Give them new birth by water and the Spirit, and strengthen them by your grace to life eternal.

Lord in your mercy:

C: Hear our prayer.

A: Let us pray for all Christians, that God will gather us by his Spirit and keep us united in faith and love.

(Silent prayer)

M: Almighty Father, you have made us your holy people by our common baptism. Make us one in our confession of faith, increase our love for each other, and help us to work together in your mission to the people of the world.

Lord in your mercy:

C: Hear our prayer.

M: Let us pray for the Jewish people, to whom God spoke through the prophets, that they will acknowledge Jesus as the Christ foretold by the prophets.

(Silent prayer)

M: Almighty Father, long ago you gave your promise to Abraham and his descendants. Grant that your chosen people may share with us the fullness of your redemption.

Lord in your mercy.

C: Hear our prayer.

M: Let us pray for all who do not yet believe in Jesus Christ, that the light of the Holy Spirit will show them the way of salvation.

(Silent prayer)

M: Heavenly Father, remember those who do not remember you. Have mercy on those who have rejected your grace. Guide those who seek to make sense of their lives, so that they may find their salvation in Jesus Christ.

Lord in your mercy.

C: Hear our prayer.

M: Let us pray for those who serve us in public office, that God may use them to curb what is evil and work for the well-being of our nation.

(Silent prayer)

M: Heavenly Father, guide all the nations of the earth, so that they may promote international justice and peace. Bless our country and all who hold positions of responsibility, our prime minister, Ms. Gillard, and premier, Ms. Bligh. Direct the parliaments of our commonwealth and state, so that we may enjoy good government, and live together in freedom and harmony.Lord in your mercy.

C: Hear our prayer.

M: Let us pray for all the needy people of the earth, that God will provide for them according to their needs.

(Silent prayer)

M: Heavenly Father, heal those who are physically sick and mentally disturbed. Support those who are aged and dying. Comfort those who are hungry and lonely. Relieve those who are oppressed, and free those who are unjustly imprisoned. Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble, so that they may have the joy of receiving your help in their need; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

Adoration of Christ on the Cross

A wooden cross may be carried in procession through the church and brought into the sanctuary.

The Hymn When I survey the wondrous cross is sung during the procession.

LH54 CAL 293

Isaac Watts

(1674-1748), alt


When I survey the wondrous cross

1. When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt

on all my pride.


When I survey the wondrous cross

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God;

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

Adoration of Christ on the CrossWhen I survey the wondrous cross LH54

3. See from his head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down:Did e’er such love and sorrow

meet,Or thorns compose

so rich a crown?


When I survey the wondrous cross LH54

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were an offering far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life,

my all. †


The minister faces the congregation, raises the cross and says:

M: Behold the wood of the cross, on which the Saviour of the world was lifted up.

C: O come, let us worship him.

Reproaches

M: Thus says the Lord: What have I done to you, O my people? How have I burdened you? Answer me! I led you out from the prison of death, but you led your Saviour to the cross. I freed you from slavery to sin, but you handed him over to be condemned.

O my people!

C: O Lord God most holy,

O Lord most mighty,

O holy and most merciful God,

have mercy on us,

and do not condemn us to eternal death.

M: Thus says the Lord: What have I done to you, O my people? How have I burdened you? Answer me! I led you safely through the desert and brought you to a rich land, but you led your Saviour to the cross. I fed you with bread from heaven and refreshed

you with living water, but you have given him gall and vinegar to drink.

O my people!

C: O Lord God most holy,

O Lord most mighty,

O holy and most merciful God,

have mercy on us,

and lead us through death to eternal life.

M: Thus says the Lord: What more could I have done for you, O my people, than I have done? Answer me? I planted you as my fairest vine, but you yielded only bitter fruit. I sent my Son to gather your harvest, but you killed him and threw him out of the vineyard.

O my people!

C: O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty,O holy and most merciful Saviour,have mercy on us, and never

abandon us.M: O Christ, the Saviour of the world,

we praise and adore you for the redemption of the world through your holy cross.

C: Jesus, Son of the living God,draw us and all people to yourself. Amen.

Liturgy of the Sacrament

We sing as the offering is received:

The Servant King

(From heaven you came)

AT 261 CAL 293

Graham Kendrick Philippians 2:4-8 © Integrity Music Ply Ltd. All rights reserved.

Matt 26:39 Isaiah 53:7 Ephesians 6:7

The Servant King

1. From heaven you came, helpless babe,

entered our world, your glory veiled; not to be served but to serve, and give your life that we might live.

The Servant King

This is our God, the Servant King, he calls us now to follow him to bring our lives as a daily offering of worship to the Servant King.

The Servant King

2. There in the garden of tears my heavy load he chose to bear. His heart with sorrow was torn, Yet not my will, but yours’, he said.

The Servant King


The Servant King

3. Come, see his hands and his feet, the scars that speak of sacrifice, hands that flung stars into space to cruel nails surrendered.

The Servant King


The Servant King

4. So let us learn how to serve, and in our lives enthrone him; each other’s needs to prefer, for it is Christ we’re serving.

The Servant King


†

The Offering Prayer

M: Lord God, thank you for sending your Son to be our great high priest and the sacrifice for our sins. Help us always to come to him in all our needs with complete confidence and trust in him for our salvation. And make us ready to help one another and to reach out in love to all people .

C: Amen

M: Let us confess our sins to God our Father.

C: We confess to you, Lord God, heavenly Father, that by nature we are sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against you by thought word and deed, through our fault, our own fault, our own deliberate fault. Have mercy on us and forgive us for the sake of your dear Son Jesus Christ, who died for us on the cross.

M: By the authority of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

M: It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, through Christ our Lord; on the tree of the cross he gave salvation to all, so that, where death began, there life might be restored, and that the enemy, who by a tree once overcame, might by a tree be overcome. And so with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

The congregation says

C: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

now and for ever. Amen.

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, and said, Take and eat; this is † my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup after the supper, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, Drink of it, all of you; this is † my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen.

C: Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,


have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,


grant us peace. Amen.

The Invitation:

M: Every time we eat this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

C: Thanks be to God.

M: Come everything is ready.

Distribution

(In silence for meditation and prayer)

When the minister and his assistants give the bread and the cup they say,

Take and eat, this is the body of Christ,

given for you.

Take and drink, this is the blood of Christ, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

The Dismissal

M: The body of our Lord Jesus Christ and his precious blood strengthen and preserve you in body and soul to life eternal. Go in † peace.

C: Amen.

M: Let us pray.Almighty God, whose Son suffered death on the cross, before he was enthroned in glory: Grant that as we walk with him on the way of the cross, we may find it to be the way of pardon and peace and life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

M: The God of love and peace † be with you.

C: Amen.M: We adore you, O

Christ, and we bless you.

C: By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

The minister kneels at the altar, and then leaves in silence.

This Service Order is adapted from Church Rites: Lutheran Church of Australia, Open Book Publishers, 1994.

Permission for use assigned to Lutheran Congregations.

Worshippers may remain for a time of silent prayer

and meditation, then leave in silence.

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