Labyrinth Walk

What’s the history of labyrinth Walk: In 325 A.D. Christians placed a labyrinth on the floor of their church. Although Christians must have been using the labyrinth earlier, this is the first historical record we have of the Christian use of the labyrinth. Since that time labyrinths have been prayed, studied, danced, traced and drawn as Christians sought to use this spiritual tool to draw closer to God.

 

Why do we do a labyrinth Walk: Using a labyrinth involves moving one’s body and opening one’s heart to Jesus. All you have to do is follow the path and you will find the center. The word “labyrinth” is not found in the Bible, but themes of following God’s way, spiritual journeys, and enjoying God’s presence—all central to labyrinth experiences – are found throughout Scripture. 

 

How do we do a Labyrinth Walk: Unlike a maze the labyrinth has no tricks. A “typical” labyrinth experience involves preparing oneself at the threshold, following the single path to the center, spending time in the center, following the same pathway out the threshold, and then responding to the experience. Two verses that can be used while praying in the labyrinth are, “You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) and Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:16). Also simple Celtic Prayers may be helpful. See the handout. These help focus our minds in a way that is uncomplicated. You can also use the questions below to focus your heart and body. 

 

Things to keep in mind: 

1. Maintain the Quite 
2. Pause at the entry into the labyrinth take a deep breath and prepare your heart 
3. Take your time, don’t feel rushed or prolong it do what come naturally 
4. Follow the path. Don’t think about where you are going, focus on your prayer or meditation.
5. 3 stages of walking the labyrinth 
   1. At the start of the labyrinth ask yourself 
      1. What do i need to leave behind
      2. What do I need to ask forgiveness for 
      3. What concerns me that I need to bring before God 
   2. Rest at the center and ask 
      1. What is God Saying to me right now
      2. How am I receiving God 
   3. As you walk out of the Labyrinth 
      1. How have I been changed 
      2. How does it feel to be accompanied by the spirit 
      3. How can I best respond to God for that which I have been given
      4. How can I best prepare to return to the world? 

 

For More information on Labyrinth’s: For more information on the Christian use of the labyrinth see Jill Geoffrion’s three books: Praying the Labyrinth: A Journal for Spiritual Creativity; Living the Labyrinth: 101 Paths To A Deeper Connection with the Sacred; and The Labyrinth and the Enneagram: Circling into Prayer. Pilgrim Press publishes them. ©JilI Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion Jillkhg@aol.com www.Jillkhg.com

 

 

The Solemn Intercession

A Bidding prayer for the whole world and family of God.

Beloved people of God,

as Jesus stretched out his arms on the cross

to offer life and salvation to all, 

let us pray for the world that God loves so much.

 

In the biddings to follow, the petitions may be adapted as appropriate.

The people may stand, sit, kneel, or bow down. 

The silence should be of significant length.

 

Let us pray for the church throughout the world.

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God, 

you have shown your glory to all the nations in Jesus Christ.

By your Holy Spirit, guide the church

and gather it throughout the world.

Help it to persevere in faith, proclaim your name,

and bring the good news of salvation in Christ to all people. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 

Let us pray for the Presbytery of South Louisiana and John Calvin Presbyterian Church (and/or your own congregation).

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

your Spirit guides the church and makes it holy.

Strengthen and uphold pastors and other leaders;

keep them in health and safety for the good of the church.

Help each of us to do faithfully

the work to which you have called us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Let us for those preparing for baptism.

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

you continue to bless the church for new members.

Increase the faith and understanding

of those preparing for baptism.

Give them new birth as your children.

Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy church.

Make all the baptized one in the fullness of faith

and keep us united in the fellowship of love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Let us pray for people of other faiths.

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

gather into your embrace

all those who call out to you under different names.

Bring to an end to interreligious strife,

and make us more faithful in our witness

to the love made known to us in your Son.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Let us pray for those who cannot believe.

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

you created humanity so that all might long to know you

and find peace in you.

Grant that all may recognize signs of your love and grace

in the world and in the lives of Christians,

and gladly acknowledge you as the one true God.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Let us pray for God’s creation.

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

you are the creator of a magnificent universe.

Hold this world in the arms of your care,

heal the damage we have done,

and bring all things to fulfillment in you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Let us pray for the leaders and people of all nations.

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

you are the champion of the poor and the oppressed.

In your goodness, give wisdom to those in authority

so that people everywhere may enjoy justice, peace, freedom,

and a share in the goodness of your creation. 

 We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Let us pray for all who suffer and are in need.

 

Silent prayer.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

you give strength to the weary

and new courage to those who have lost heart.

Hear the prayers of all who call on you in trouble

that they may have the joy of receiving your help in their need.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 

As our Savior Christ has taught us,

we are bold to pray:

 

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 debts, 

as we forgive our debtors; 

and lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil, 

for thine is the kingdom, 

and the power, 

and the glory, 

forever. Amen.

Solemn Reproaches of the Cross

A solemn prayer of confession, contrasting the grace given to humanity, and humanity’s cruelty to Jesus. 

Worshipers may pray focused on the rough-hewn cross at the front of the Sanctuary.

 

This is the cross that held the Savior of the world.

Come, let us worship God. 

 

This is the cross that held the Savior of the world.

Come, let us worship God.

 

This is the cross that held the Savior of the world.

Come, let us worship God.

 

Worshipers may kneel.

 

O my people, O my church,

what more could I have done for you?

Answer me!

 

I led you out of slavery into freedom,

and delivered you through the waters of rebirth,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

Forty years I led you through the desert,

feeding you with manna on the way;

I saved you from the time of trial 

and gave you my body, the bread of heaven,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

I lead you on your way in a pillar of cloud and fire, 

but you led me to the judgment hall of Pilate; 

I guided you by the light of the Holy Spirit,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

I poured out saving water from the rock,

but you gave me vinegar to drink;

I poured out my life and gave you the new covenant in my blood,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I gave you a royal scepter, but you gave me a crown of thorns;

I gave you the kingdom and crowned you with eternal life,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

I struck down your enemies, but you struck my head with a reed;

I gave you my peace, but you drew the sword in my name,

and you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

I opened the waters to lead you into the promised land, 

but you opened my side with a spear;

I washed your feet as a sign of my love, 

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

I lifted you up to the heights, 

but you lifted me high on the cross;

I raised you from death and prepared for you the tree of life,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

I grafted you into my people Israel,

but you made them scapegoats for your own guilt,

and you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

 

I was hungry and you gave me no food,

thirsty and you gave me no drink,

a stranger and you di not welcome me,

naked and you did not clothe me,

sick and in prison and you did not visit me,

and you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

Amen. 

Friday Morning Holy Week Prayer

A simple prayer service for use during Holy Week.

 

OPENING SENTENCES (1 Peter 2:24)

Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the cross,

so that, free from sins, we might live to righteousness;

by his wounds we have been healed. 

 

MORNING PSALM or HYMN

Psalm 22

Ah Holy Jesus (Presbyterian Hymnal 93; Glory to God 218)

 

THANKSGIVING for BAPTISM

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

It is right to give our thanks and praise. 

Reconciling God, we give you thanks that through the gift of baptism you have broken down dividing walls and made us members of your house. By the power of your Holy Spirit, build us up to be your holy temple, a place of peace and welcome for all; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

 

PSALM(S)

Psalm 22, 148

 

SCRIPTURE 

Choose one or more scriptures to read

Hebrew Scriptures: Genesis 22:1-14 (Binding of Isaac)

Epistle: 1 Peter 1:10-20 (Holy Living)

Gospel: Matthew 26:36-46 (Jesus prays in Gethsemane)

Matthew 26:47-56 (the Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus)

Matthew 26:57-68 (Jesus Before the High Priest)

Matthew 26:69-75 (Peter’s Denial of Jesus)

Matthew 27:1-2, 11-14 (Jesus brought before Pilate)

Matthew 27:15-23 (Barabbas or Jesus?)

Matthew 27:24-26 (Pilate Hands Jesus Over to be Crucified)

Matthew 27:27-31 (The Soldiers Mock Jesus)

Matthew 27:32-44 (The Crucifixion of Jesus)

Matthew 27:45-56 (The Death of Jesus)

Matthew 27:57-66 (Burial of Jesus and Guarded Tomb)

CANTICLE

Seek the Lord

Canticle of Penitence

Holy God, We Praise Your Name/ Te Deum

Glory to God

The New Jerusalem

 

THANKSGIVING and INTERCESSION

Satisfy us with your love in the morning,

and we will live this day in joy and praise. 

Take all our doubts and uncertainties, O God, and fill us with such faith that we may be confident of your love and loyal in the service of him who died and yet lives for us, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Especially we thank you for

ministries of teaching and pastoral care…

those who work to help and heal…

sacrifices others have made for our benefit…

opportunities for generous giving…

the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering…

Individual prayers of thanksgiving may be invited

 

God of grace, let our concern for others reflect Christ’s self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice. 

Especially we pray for

the church in Latin America…

a right relationship between humans and the earth…

those who are wounded or face death…

those who keep watch over the sick and dying…

all who speak up and take action for what is right… 

Individual prayers of intercession may be invited.

There may be a time of silent prayer.

 

God of love, as you have given your life for usm so may we live according to your holy will revealed in Jesus Christ. Make us bold to share your life, and show your love, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Grant this through Jesus Christ our redeemer and Lord. Amen. 

Lord’s Prayer: Our Father…

DISMISSAL

Like good stewards of the grace of God, let us serve one another with whatever gifts we have received. Amen. 

Bless the Lord. The Lord’s name be praised. 

 

Seek the Lord

A Canticle from Isaiah 55:6-11

 

Refrain: You are full of mercy, O Lord

for you will abundantly pardon.

 

Seek the LORD who is still to be found;

call upon God who is yet at hand.

Let the wicked forsake their way,

and the unrighteous their thoughts;

[Unison] let them return to the LORD, who will have mercy,

to our God, who will abundantly pardon. Refrain

 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts;

nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth;

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts. Refrain

 

For as the rain and snow fall from the heavens;

and return not again but watered the earth

bringing forth life and giving growth;

giving seed to the sower and bread to the hungry;

so is my word that goes forth from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I desire;

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Refrain

Canticle of Penitence

A Canticle from Psalm 183

 

Refrain: O Lord, your are full of compassion,

long-suffering and abounding in mercy.

 

O Lord almighty and God of our ancestors,

you made the heavens and the earth, in their glorious array.

All things quake with fear at your presence; 

they tremble because of your power.

But your merciful promise is beyond all measure;

it surpasses all that our minds can fathom. Refrain

 

Lord you are full of compassion,

long-suffering, and abounding in mercy.

And now, O Lord, I humble my heart,

and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness.

For you, O Lord, are the God of the penitent,

and in me you will show forth your goodness. Refrain

 

Unworthy as I am, you will save me,

and so I will praise you continually, all the days of my life. 

For all the host of heaven sing your praises,

and your glory is forever and ever. Refrain

We Praise You, O God

Te Deum Laudamus (15th Century Latin Hymn)

We praise you, O God, 

we claim you as Lord,

all creation worships you,

Father everlasting

 

To you, all angels, all the power of heaven, 

the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:

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

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

 

The glorious company of the apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. 

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. 

 

Throughout the world the holy church acclaims you;

Father of majesty unbounded,

your true and holy Son, worthy of all praise,

the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

 

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father. 

When you took our flesh to set us free

you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.

 

You overcame the sting of death

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

 

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints 

to glory everlasting. 

Glory to God

Gloria in Excelsis

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to all people on earth.

 

Lord, God, heavenly King, 

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer. 

 

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord, 

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ, 

with the Holy Spirit,

Arts & Faith: Lent—Good Friday Imaginative Prayer Exercise

By Steve Connor

An imaginative prayer experience in the Ignatian tradition

 

Preparation

As you begin this time of quiet prayer, I invite you to find a comfortable place to sit with your back straight and your legs planted on the ground. Take a few moments to breathe in and breathe out.

 

Spend this time centering yourself to listen to what God may be saying to you during this time of prayer, to listen to what rises up in your heart. Close your eyes for a few moments. As you sit with your eyes closed, use these or similar words: “Here I am, Lord. Here I am.” When you are ready, open your eyes and pray.

 

Is it Finished?

The day begins with a bright sun and a blue sky. Imagine you’re walking along a street feeling joyful and peaceful. You pass by people who are smiling because the day makes everyone feel alive and fresh. Springtime has that effect on people. After walking about an hour, you notice that the sky is turning dark. Big, gray and black clouds have moved in, as if a tremendous storm is about to happen. You think of finding a place to wait it out, but something keeps you moving forward, pulling you to continue. You see a hill in the distance. People are standing around what looks like several men hanging from trees. Getting closer, you see that they are crosses. The man on the center cross is covered in blood and sores. On his head is a wooden crown with thorns that pierce his skin. You see that it is Jesus. His eyes catch yours. He looks at you with eyes that don’t show pain, but peace. He speaks to you in a voice that only you can hear. What does Jesus say to you? Is there something you want to say in response to Jesus?

Some of the people around you are crying. Some are yelling at Jesus, telling him to come down if he truly is who he says he is. You want to turn away, to walk away, but you can’t. You stand there caught in the horror, yet knowing this is not the conclusion to Jesus’ life. You want to tell those around you that this is not the end, that there is more. It is not finished.

 

Someone comes up to you, wrapped in a cloak, and stands beside you. You can’t see his face, but he holds out a hand to you. In his hand, you see the nail mark. You realize it is Jesus. He removes the cloak from around his face as he turns to you. He looks at you with a peaceful, warm smile. What do you say to Jesus? How does he respond?

As Jesus stands beside you, you feel a power coming from him. It makes you feel safe and, at the same time, energized. Your mind is full of questions and races from one thing to another, but you remain quiet. Jesus turns to you again and says, “You know this is not the end. It isn’t finished. It has just begun. And now, it’s up to you.” He looks at you, smiles, and slowly walks into the crowd and disappears. You look up at the scene before you. On the cross, Jesus lifts his head and says, “It is finished.” Your eyes fill with tears. You whisper to yourself, No, it is not finished. No. It has just begun.What are the crosses in your life that you need to bring to Jesus so he can help carry them for you? How have you brought the good news of Jesus to others in your life?

 

Concluding Prayer

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY

By Eva Sullivan-Knoff

An imaginative prayer experience in the Ignatian tradition

 

Opening

Lord, help us to journey with you throughout this day, ever so mindful of you.

 

Reflection

This is a day that is hard to take in, the extent of God’s love for us. We pray oh Lord, please stir our hearts and change us as we humbly, enter the story again.

 

Invitation

Read the scripture through slowly, pausing where you are drawn. Take as long as you need. Imagine you are there. As you read keep your eyes on Jesus. Listen to His words. Imagine his face as He speaks. What do you see in His eyes? Watch his actions. How does He respond? Stay focused on Him as you read. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your prayerful reading.

 

(To read the whole account, read from John 18:1-19:42)

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him…14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew[d] is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth,[e] the King of the Jews… 28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29 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. 30 When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 

Prayer of Response

On this day, words are hard to find.

Moved by all that has been given,

By all that has been done,

I sit in silence with Jesus.

I remain with Him.

I offer my heart in quiet

just as He offers Himself

completely to me.

Amen.

The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 42:1-9; 52:13-53:12 (NRSV)

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

   my chosen, in whom my soul delights;

I have put my spirit upon him;

   he will bring forth justice to the nations.

He will not cry or lift up his voice,

   or make it heard in the street;

a bruised reed he will not break,

   and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;

   he will faithfully bring forth justice.

He will not grow faint or be crushed

   until he has established justice in the earth;

   and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

 

Thus says God, the Lord,

   who created the heavens and stretched them out,

   who spread out the earth and what comes from it,

who gives breath to the people upon it

   and spirit to those who walk in it:

I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,

   I have taken you by the hand and kept you;

I have given you as a covenant to the people,

   a light to the nations,

   to open the eyes that are blind,

to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,

   from the prison those who sit in darkness.

I am the Lord, that is my name;

   my glory I give to no other,

   nor my praise to idols.

See, the former things have come to pass,

   and new things I now declare;

before they spring forth,

   I tell you of them…

 

See, my servant shall prosper;

   he shall be exalted and lifted up,

   and shall be very high.

Just as there were many who were astonished at him

   —so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance,

   and his form beyond that of mortals—

so he shall startle many nations;

   kings shall shut their mouths because of him;

for that which had not been told them they shall see,

   and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.

Who has believed what we have heard?

   And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a young plant,

   and like a root out of dry ground;

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

   nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by others;

   a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;

and as one from whom others hide their faces

   he was despised, and we held him of no account.

 

Surely he has borne our infirmities

   and carried our diseases;

yet we accounted him stricken,

   struck down by God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions,

   crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the punishment that made us whole,

   and by his bruises we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;

   we have all turned to our own way,

and the Lord has laid on him

   the iniquity of us all.

 

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

   yet he did not open his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

   and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

   so he did not open his mouth.

By a perversion of justice he was taken away.

   Who could have imagined his future?

For he was cut off from the land of the living,

   stricken for the transgression of my people.

They made his grave with the wicked

   and his tomb with the rich,

although he had done no violence,

   and there was no deceit in his mouth.

 

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.

When you make his life an offering for sin,

   he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;

through him the will of the Lord shall prosper.

   Out of his anguish he shall see light;

he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.

   The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous,

   and he shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,

   and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

because he poured out himself to death,

   and was numbered with the transgressors;

yet he bore the sin of many,

   and made intercession for the transgressors.

 

 

Psalm 22 (NRSV)

To the leader: according to The Deer of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

   Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?

O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;

   and by night, but find no rest.

Yet you are holy,

   enthroned on the praises of Israel.

In you our ancestors trusted;

   they trusted, and you delivered them.

To you they cried, and were saved;

   in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.

But I am a worm, and not human;

   scorned by others, and despised by the people.

All who see me mock at me;

   they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;

‘Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—

   let him rescue the one in whom he delights!’

Yet it was you who took me from the womb;

   you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.

On you I was cast from my birth,

   and since my mother bore me you have been my God.

Do not be far from me,

   for trouble is near

   and there is no one to help.

Many bulls encircle me,

   strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

they open wide their mouths at me,

   like a ravening and roaring lion.

I am poured out like water,

   and all my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like wax;

   it is melted within my breast;

my mouth is dried up like a potsherd,

   and my tongue sticks to my jaws;

   you lay me in the dust of death.

For dogs are all around me;

   a company of evildoers encircles me.

My hands and feet have shriveled;

I can count all my bones.

They stare and gloat over me;

they divide my clothes among themselves,

   and for my clothing they cast lots.

But you, O Lord, do not be far away!

   O my help, come quickly to my aid!

Deliver my soul from the sword,

   my life from the power of the dog!

   Save me from the mouth of the lion!

From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.

I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;

   in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

You who fear the Lord, praise him!

   All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;

   stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

For he did not despise or abhor

   the affliction of the afflicted;

he did not hide his face from me,

   but heard when I cried to him.

From you comes my praise in the great congregation;

   my vows I will pay before those who fear him.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied;

   those who seek him shall praise the Lord.

   May your hearts live for ever!

All the ends of the earth shall remember

   and turn to the Lord;

and all the families of the nations

   shall worship before him.

For dominion belongs to the Lord,

   and he rules over the nations.

To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down;

   before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,

   and I shall live for him.

Posterity will serve him;

   future generations will be told about the Lord,

and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,

   saying that he has done it.

Matthew 27 (NRSV)

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

 

When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.’ After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’

 

Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?’ But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

 

Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.’ Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’ Then he asked, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’

 

So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

 

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’

 

Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, “I am God’s Son.” ’ The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way.

 

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?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘This man is calling for Elijah.’ At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.’ Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’

 

Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

 

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

 

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise again.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, “He has been raised from the dead”, and the last deception would be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.