trinitysthoughts.files.wordpress.com … · web viewfor the world he came. for the world he died....

For the World He CameFor the World He Died

With Special Prayers from Around the WorldTrinity Episcopal Church

2217 Columbia PikeArlington, Virginia

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For the World He Came For the World He Died

Holy Week – Stations of the CrossWith special prayers from An International Anthology,

Prayers Encircling the World

Opening Sentence and Prayer

Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)

Leader: The Lord be with youAll: And also with youLeader: Let us pray

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (all)

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.

The people sit.

The Occasion

Hymn 490 I want to walk as a child of the light

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Leader: We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.All: In whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection.Leader: In the words of our South African brother, Joe Seremane1, let us pray. (Silence)

Lord, you asked for our hands, that you might use them for your purpose.We gave them for a moment, then withdrew them, for the work was hard.

You asked for our mouths, to speak out against injusticeWe gave you a whisper, that we might not be accused.

You asked for our eyes, to see the pain of povertyWe closed them, for we did not want to see.

You asked for our lives, that you might work through us.We gave a small part, that we might not get too involved.

Lord, forgive our calculated efforts to serve you,only when it is convenient for us to do so,only in those places where it is safe to do so,and only with those who make it easy to do so.(Together)

Father, forgive us, renew us, send us out,as usable instruments, that we might take seriouslythe meaning of your cross. Amen.

(Journey to Station #1 accompanied by instrumental version of“I want to walk as a child of the light”)

Station #1 Jesus is condemned to deathLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate. And they all condemned him and said, "He deserves to die." When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. Then he handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

V: God did not spare his own Son:R: But delivered him up for us all.

Leader: Let us pray. (Silence)

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

1 Prayers Encircling the Word, p. 1873

Processional Hymn L249, Hear our prayer

Station #2 Jesus takes up his Cross

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter; and like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.

V. The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all:R. For the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Leader: Let us join with the 1988 Women’s World Day of Prayer2 in praying: (Silence)

Almighty God, forgive our selfishness and lack of understanding of other nations. Forgive our indifference to the many who are not free, and even suffer martyrdom for their faith.Forgive, O God, our poor stewardship of the resources you have so generously given us.Forgive our disregard of the painful struggle of the few on behalf of the many who suffer oppression and neglect. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Journey to Station #3 singing “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord”)Hear our prayer, O Lord.Hear our prayer, O Lord.

Incline thine ear to us,and grant us thy peace.

Station #3 Jesus falls the first timeLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

2 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 149.4

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped; but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, and kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is the Lord our God.

V. Surely he has borne our griefs:R. And carried our sorrows.

Leader: In the words of Traian Dors of Romania3, let us pray. (Silence)

O God, we have not yet reached the shore where there is no hatred,the clouds of unjust struggles have not yet passed.The scars of wounds endured have not yet closed,warm trust in humanity lies totally dead.From the springs of forgetting we have not drunk wisdom.weary memories still poison us.From the glades of forgiveness we are still distant,from the sanctuary of refuge we are a great way separated.Lord, bring us the clear dawn of other days,may all painful shadows depart from us.Let us look with tender emotion on the scars of our wounds,and with meek goodness upon the faces of our enemies.Bring us the dawn whist the way is so long,But do not hinder our striving until we reach the shore. Amen.

(Journey to Station #4 singing “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord”)Hear our prayer, O Lord. Hear our prayer, O Lord.

Incline thine ear to us, and grant us thy peace.

Station #4 Jesus meets his afflicted motherLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

To what can I liken you, to what can I compare you, O daughter of Jerusalem? What likeness can I use to comfort you, O virgin daughter of Zion? For vast as the sea is your ruin. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.

V. A sword will pierce your own soul also:R. And fill your heart with bitter pain.

Leader: In the words of American Andrew Blackwood Jr.4, let us pray: (Silence)

Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief,we pray for our brothers and sisters who mourn.

3 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 1474 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 197

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We pray for each one who feels the keen grief that death can bring.You have told us that death is not the end of life,that beyond the grave is the resurrection,yet you wept at the side of a grave,you understand our grief.Strengthen those who mourn.

We pray for our brothers and sisters who are shut off from the rest of societyby their color or their accent.If we are part of their trouble,help us to correct what lies in our power to correct.

We pray for each one who is in painbecause of sickness or injury.You knew pain so deep and intensethat you thought the heavenly Father had forgotten you.Be the light for those who are in the valley of the shadow.

Compassionate Savior,you have called us to represent you, in compassion with your brothers and sisters who mourn.You have done your part; help us to do ours. Amen.

(Journey to Station #5 singing “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord”)Hear our prayer, O Lord. Hear our prayer, O Lord.

Incline thine ear to us, and grant us thy peace.

Station #5 The Cross is laid on Simon of CyreneLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

As they led Jesus away, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus. "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

V. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me:R. Cannot be my disciple.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Processional Refrain Walk on, O people of God

Station #6 A woman wipes the face of JesusLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

We have seen him without beauty or majesty, with no looks to attract our eyes. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of men. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.

V. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts:R. Show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Leader: In the words of American Andrew Blackwood, Jr.5, let us pray. (Silence)

Father, we give our thanks for the men and women who go on doing their dutyin the face of loneliness, monotony, misunderstanding, danger.

We pray for those who serve us in this city at hazard to their lives,the policemen and firemen and all others whose work demands constant risk.

We pray for the soldiers and sailors who at any moment are either bored or scared,but they stay at their post and do what they must.Father, bless their courage with the peace that they, and we, are praying for.

Forgive us Father,

5 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 1757

if we ever take for granted what others are doing so that we can live in peace and safety.Make us a kind of people who deserve these blessings.

We expect others to show courage in the line of duty.If, once in a while, we must stand up to be counted, and show a little courage of our own,help us to set them an example by being the kind of people Christ has called us to be.Amen.

(Journey to Station #7 singing “Walk on, O people of God”)Walk on, O people of God.Walk on, O people of God.

A new way, God’s new alliance, all creation is reborn.Walk on, O people of God.Walk on, O people of God.

Station #7 Jesus falls a second time


Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. For the transgression of my people was he stricken.V. But as for me, I am a worm and no man:R. Scorned by all and despised by the people.

Leader: In the words of unnamed believers from the Philippines6, let us pray. (Silence)

Lord, forgive us,for we are fragmented persons.We go many directions at once.We seek opposite goals;we serve contradictory causes.We mouth liberation, we live oppression.We shout peace, we practice violence and anarchy.We shout justice, we walk in injustice.We preach love, we practice hate.Through your compassion, have mercy on us and make us whole.Enable us to discern your voiceamong the dissonant voices that surround us. Amen.

(Journey to Station #8 singing “Walk on, O people of God”)Walk on, O people of God.Walk on, O people of God.

A new way, God’s new alliance, all creation is reborn.Walk on, O people of God.Walk on, O people of God.

Station #8 Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

6 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 1478


There followed after Jesus a great multitude of the people, and among them were women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."

V. Those who sowed with tears:R. Will reap with songs of joy

Leader: Together, let us pray the litany of Andre Quintelier of the Philippines7: (Silence)

God of life, we pray to you for all people.For all women who have been excluded from a full-fledged life for the only reason that it has been always like that.Empower us to take all iniquity away.

For all people who are oppressed and abused.Empower us to take all iniquity away.

For all people whose freedom and dignity are denied by systems and authorities.Empower us to take all iniquity away.

For all those who are driven away from their houses and their homes because of their conscience and their convictions.Empower us to take all iniquity away.

For all those who are in search of the meaning of their life within their own culture and religion.Empower us to take all iniquity away.

For all those who – from sheer necessity – have to sell their own body.Empower us to take all iniquity away.

For those many desperate women and men who are at the mercy of the rich and the powerful.Empower us to take all iniquity away.

For all those who suffer, we pray to you.Empower us to take all iniquity away. Amen.

(Journey to Station #9 singing “Walk on, O people of God”)Walk on, O people of God. Walk on, O people of God.A new way, God’s new alliance, all creation is reborn.Walk on, O people of God. Walk on, O people of God.

Station #9 Jesus falls a third timeLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light. He has besieged me and enveloped me with bitterness and

7 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 222.9

tribulation; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago. Though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes. "Remember, O Lord, my affliction and bitterness, the wormwood and the gall!"

V. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter:R. And like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth.

Leader: In the words of Aruna Gnanadason of India8, let us pray. (Silence)

Nailed to a cross because you would not compromise your convictions.Nailed to a cross because you would not bow down before insolent might.My Savior, you were laughed at, derided, bullied, and spat uponbut with unbroken spirit, Liberator God, you died.

Many young lives are sacrificed because they will not bend;many young people in prison for following your lead.Daily, you are crucified, my Savior, you are sacrificedin prison cells and torture rooms of cruel and ruthless powers.

The promise of resurrection, the power of hope it holds, and the vision of a just new orderyou proclaimed that first Easter morning.Therefore, dear Savior, we can affirm that although bodies are mutilated and broken,the spirit refuses submission.Your voice will never be silenced, Great Liberating God. Amen.

(Journey to Station #10 singing “Walk on, O people of God”)Walk on, O people of God. Walk on, O people of God.A new way, God’s new alliance, all creation is reborn.Walk on, O people of God. Walk on, O people of God.

Station #10 Jesus is stripped of his garmentsLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And they divided his garments among them by casting lots. This was to fulfill the scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing."

V. They gave me gall to eat:R. And when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink.

Leader: In the words of Dorothy McRae-McMahon of Australia9, let us pray. (Silence)

O God, only you know the truth of the burden which each of us carries. We know that some of the burdens which we wish to lay down can be picked up by the gifts and energy of others.Sometimes we can be so supported by others that the things we are carrying seem lighter.Sometimes we can change our life in ways which bring new justice and care.

8 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 549 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 153

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For other things, we have few answers, too few resources in ourselves to bring in the changes, or we simply fail in what we would hope to do or be. For this we grieve. For this we pray forgiveness. For all, we pray for new ways to journey on in hope. Amen.

Processional Hymn L251, Lead me, Lord

Station #11 Jesus is nailed to the Cross


When they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him; and with him they crucified two criminals, one on the right, the other on the left, and Jesus between them. And the scripture was fulfilled which says, "He was numbered with the transgressors."

V. They pierce my hands and my feet:R. They stare and gloat over me.

Leader: Let us pray. (Silence)

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.

(Journey to Station #12 singing “Lead me, Lord”)Lead me, Lord. Lead me in thy righteousness. Make thy way plain, before my face. Amen.

Station #12 Jesus dies on the Cross


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When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And when Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished!" And then, crying with a loud voice, he said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." And he bowed his head, and handed over his spirit.

V. Christ for us became obedient unto death:R. Even death on a cross.

Leader: In the words of Bishop Hassan Dehqani-Tafti of Iran10, following the death of his son, let us pray. (Silence)

O God, we remember not only our son, but also his murderers, not because they killed him in the prime of his youth and made our hearts bleed and our tears flow, not because with this savage act they have brought further disgrace on the name of our country among the civilized nations of the world, but because through their crime we now follow thy footsteps more closely in the way of sacrifice.

The terrible fire of this calamity burns up all selfishness and possessiveness in us; its flame reveals the depth of depravity and meanness and suspicion, the dimension of hatred and the measure of sinfulness in human nature; it makes obvious as never before our need to trust in God’s love as shown in the cross of Jesus and his resurrection; love which makes us free from hate towards our persecutors; love which brings patience, forbearance, courage, loyalty, humility, generosity, greatness of heart; love which more than ever deepens our trust in God’s final victory and his eternal designs for the Church and for the world; love which teaches us how to prepare ourselves to face our own day of death. O God, our son’s blood has multiplied the fruit of the Spirit in the soil of our souls; so when his murderers stand before thee on the Day of Judgment remember the fruit of the Spirit by which they have enriched our lives. And forgive.


Station #13 The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother


All you who pass by, behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. My eyes are spent with weeping; my soul is in tumult; my heart is poured out in grief because of the downfall of my people. "Do not call me Naomi (which means Pleasant), call me Mara (which means Bitter); for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me."

V. Her tears run down her cheeks:R. And she has none to comfort her.

Leader: In the words of our Chinese brother Simon Zhao11, let us pray. (Silence)

10 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 194.11 Prayers Encircling the World, p. 230

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So many years of wailing winds and bitter rain,So many years of violent storms,Unseen in the tempest is the courtyard of the Lord,Shed on the sacrificial altar is the fresh blood of Abraham.Where are you, vine of God?Where are you, fragrant pine tree of God?Where are you? Where are you?

Every lamb is crying out, every lost sheep is sorrowing.The sheep of Jehovah are astray on the steppes,The tears of the distressed are shed in the west wind.Where are you, good Shepherd?Where are you, good Protector?Where are you? Where are you?

Jerusalem in my dreams, Jerusalem in my tears.I have sought you in the fire of the sacrificial altar.I have sought you in the nail holes of the Cross.How long before I can leave the Valley of Tears?How long before I can return to home in paradise?How long? How long?


Station #14 Jesus is laid in the tombLeader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

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

V. You will not abandon me to the grave:R. Nor let your holy One see corruption.

Leader: Let us pray. (Silence)O God, your blessed Son was laid in a tomb in a garden, and rested on the Sabbath day: Grant that we who have been buried with him in the waters of baptism may find our perfect rest in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

(Return to starting place accompanied by instrumental version of“I want to walk as a child of the light”)

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Dismissal

Leader: Savior of the world, by your cross and precious blood you have redeemed us:All: Save us and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.Leader: Let us pray. (Silence)

Our brother Jesus, you set our feet upon the way,and sometimes where you lead we do not like or understand.

Bless us with courage where the way is fraught with dread or danger;bless us with the graceful meetings where the way is lonely;bless with the good companions where the way demands a common cause;bless us with night vision where we travel in the dark, keen hearing where we have not sight, to

hear the reassuring sound of fellow travelers;bless us with humor – we cannot travel lightly weighed down with gravity.bless us with humility to learn from those around us;bless us with decisiveness where we must move with speed;bless us with lazy moments, to stretch and rest and savour;bless us with love, given and received;and bless us with your presence, even when we know it in your absence.Lead us into exile, until we find that on the road is where you are, and where you are is going

home. Bless us, lead us, love us, bring us home, bearing the Gospel of life. Amen.

Leader: To Christ our Lord who loves us, and washed us in his own blood, and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

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