Good Friday Service
Good Friday Service
This is a service of tenebrae (meaning darkness or shadows) focused on the
suffering and passion of Christ. If the sacrament of Communion has been
celebrated during the Maundy Thursday service, you may want to replace the
Communion portion of this service with a brief message focused on the final
hours of Christ.
Setting: Seven candles of varying heights should be placed around one tall
Christ candle. Have the seven candles lit prior to the service. The Christ
candle will be lit following the opening scripture. If you choose to include the
sacrament of Communion place two tables – one for the bread, one for the wine –
in front where all persons may come forward and have access to the emblems. The
room should be slightly darkened and silent as participants enter.
Scripture: The Light John 1:1-5, 10-14
Presider lights the Christ candle
*Hymn: “What Wondrous Love Is This” - HS 216
OR “My Song Is Love Unknown” (Verses 1 and 3) - HS 202
*Invocation
Message (or Homily focused on the last hours of Christ)
The Last Supper and Shadow of Betrayal: Matthew 26:20-25
Reader extinguishes first candle
Choir: “O Come to the Sacred Feast”
Dana Mengel, SATB, Carl Fischer, 62 Cooper Square, New York,
NY 10003, www.carlfisher.com
OR “Here, O My Lord” - HS 328
Prayers of Blessing on Sacrament
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Be prepared to take the Communion to anyone who is not able to
come forward.
The Service of Tenebrae
Choose readers of a variety of ages and genders. Provide each with a
pen light to be able to see. Have each reader extinguish a candle after
their reading; lower the lights after each one until it is completely dark
following the final reading.
Peter’s Desertion: Matthew 26:28-35
Prayer of Agony: Luke 22:39-46
The Hour Has Come: John 17:1-5
Prayer for Unity: John 17:11, 17-23
Final Betrayal: Luke 22:47-54
Shadow of the Cross: Mark 15:14-23
Ministry of Music Solo: “Via Dolorosa”
Words and music by Billy Sprague and Niles Borop, Performed by Sandi
Patti. Songbook for voice and piano. 290 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.
(HL.490473) ISBN 0793500818. With vocal melody, piano accompaniment, lyrics,
chord names
OR “Jesus, Remember Me” - NS 26
Silent Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (Congregation kneeling)
The Crucifixion: Matthew 27:30-32, 36-40, 49-58
Have the presider extinguish the Christ candle following the reading
of this scripture, leaving the congregation in darkness for a few seconds of
reflection. Gradually restore enough light for the congregation to exit
safely in silence.
Depart in Silence
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