A Combined Tenebrae And Seven Last Words Service

Tenebrae has been observed in the church since the fourth century. In this service, the church remembers the death of Jesus and recalls his seven last words on the cross. The gradual extinguishing of the candles is accompanied by prayers, hymns, choral anthems, and readings from Scripture.

Call to Worship (Isaiah 53:4–6) Leader: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, People: yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. Leader: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; People: the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Leader: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; People: and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Hymn: "I Greet thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art" Litany of Remembrance Leader: Let us remember Jesus: who, though rich, became poor and dwelt among us, who was mighty indeed, healing the sick and the troubled, who, as a teacher to his disciples, was their companion and servant. People: May we ever be grateful for Jesus the Christ and what he has done for us. Leader: Let us remember Jesus: who prayed for the forgiveness of those who rejected him and for the perfecting of those who received him, who loved all people, and prayed for them, even if they denied and rejected him who hated sin because he knew the cost of pride and selfishness, of cruelty and hatred, both to people and to God. People: May we ever be grateful for Jesus the Christ and what he has done for us. Leader: Let us remember Jesus: who humbled himself, obedient unto the cross. God has exalted him who has redeemed us from the bondage of sin and given us new freedom. People: May we ever be grateful for Jesus the Christ and what he has done and continues to do for us. Anthem: "Thy Will Be Done" (Courtney) THE FIRST WORD: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Reading: Psalm 51:1–14 Prayer on the First Word from the Cross Leader: Almighty God, to whom your crucified Son prayed for the forgiveness of those who did not know what they were doing, grant that we, too, may be included in that prayer. Whether we sin out of ignorance or intention, be merciful to us and grant us your acceptance and peace: in the name of Jesus Christ, our suffering Savior. People: Amen. Hymn: "Ah, Holy Jesus, How Have You Offended?" (RL 285) Extinguish the first candle. THE SECOND WORD: "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). Reading: John 14:1–6 Prayer on the Second Word from the Cross Leader: O Lord Jesus Christ, in your agony you showed compassion to a man who recognized his sinfulness and your holiness. You gave him the gift of life eternal. We thank you for that same indescribable gift you give to us. Help us to show such compassion to the lost so that they may too dwell in paradise with you. In your holy name we pray, People: Amen. Hymn: "Lord Jesus Think on Me" Extinguish the second candle. THE THIRD WORD: "Dear woman, here is your son," … "Here is your mother" (John 19:26–27). Reading: Mark 3:31–35 Prayer on the Third Word from the Cross Leader: O Blessed Savior, who in your hours of greatest suffering expressed compassion for your mother and made arrangements for her care, grant that we who seek to follow your example may show our concern for the needs of others, reaching out to provide for those who suffer in our human family. Hear this our prayer for your mercy's sake. People: Amen. Hymn: "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" Extinguish the third candle. THE FOURTH WORD: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46). Reading: Psalm 22:1–11 Prayer on the Fourth Word from the Cross Leader: Almighty God, who forsook your Son upon the cross showing the world your judgment upon human sin and guilt, grant us, upon hearing his cry, the grace to know and believe that we will never be forsaken, that he is present with us even to the end of the age. For the sake of Jesus Christ who bore our sins on the cross. People: Amen. Anthem: "He Was Wounded" (Courtney) Extinguish the fourth candle. THE FIFTH WORD: "I am thirsty" (John 19:28). Reading: Isaiah 55:1–5 Prayer on the Fifth Word from the Cross Leader: O blessed Savior, whose lips were dry and whose throat was parched, grant us the water of life that we who thirst after righteousness may find it quenched by your love and mercy, leading us to bring this same relief to others. People: Amen. Hymn: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" Extinguish the fifth candle. THE SIXTH WORD: "It is finished" (John 19:30). Reading: Luke 13:31–35 Prayer on the Sixth Word from the Cross Leader: O Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work that you were sent to do, enable us by your Holy Spirit to be faithful to our call. Grant us strength to bear our crosses and endure our sufferings, even unto death. Enable us to live and love so faithfully that we also become good news to the world, joining your witness. O Christ, in whose name we pray. People: Amen. Hymn: "It Is Finished" Extinguish the sixth candle. THE SEVENTH WORD: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). Reading: Luke 2:29–35 Prayer on the Seventh Word from the Cross Leader: Father, into whose hands your Son Jesus Christ commended his spirit, grant that we too, following his example, may in all of life and at the moment of our death entrust our lives into your faithful hands of love. In the name of Jesus who gave his life for us all. People: Amen. Hymn: "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" Extinguish the seventh candle. Darkness Tolling of the Bell Return with the seventh candle, lit. Benediction After a moment of meditation, the congregation is asked to leave in silence.