Good Friday Worship Service
Pre-service Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, our Heavenly Father, it was Your will that Your Son should bear for me the pains of the cross so that You might release me from captivity to sin, death and Satan. Tonight and always, help me to remember and give thanks for my Savior’s Passion, through which I have been given the full remission of all my sins and have been guaranteed, through faith, life everlasting in heaven All this I ask, as I pray that You will bless my worship of You this evening, in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
The Heritage of our Christian Observance of Good Friday
The observance of “Good Friday” in Christian circles dates back to the earliest days of the Christian Church, due in large part to its obvious, intimate connection to the Easter Sunday celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Clearly without our Savior’s death on “Good Friday” there would be no reason for the Festival of the Resurrection of our Lord.
Interestingly, the name “Good Friday” is a unique, and peculiarly English, expression. It is intended to reflect the joy of completed redemption, and it also serves as something of a “protest” against the superstitious notions that all Fridays are “unlucky” and that this particular Friday must have been shrouded in funereal gloom. Originally (and quite appropriately – if you stop to think about it…) the title might well have been “God’s Friday.”
However, in those very early days, Christians preferred stressing the sufferings and death of Christ to such an extent that any hint of “joy” was excluded. Congregations were, for example, prohibited from celebrating the Lord’s Supper on the Friday of Christ’s death.
Before it was known as “Good Friday,” one of the very earliest names for this day was “Parasceve,” which means “Preparation.” Other early designations were “Day of the Lord’s Passion,” “Day of the Absolution,” and “Day of the Cross.” In Germany this day continues to be known as “Karfreitag” (“Sorrow Friday”), and in keeping with the somber character of their observance, many Germans fast from 3 to 6 p.m.
Some of the unique Christian worship traditions connected to this day include the use of a prayer known as “the Bidding Prayer” (see notes below), and also the holding of “Tre Ora” (Latin for “three hour”) devotional services from noon to 3 p.m. “Tre Ora” points to that period of unnatural darkness which occurred during Christ’s crucifixion from the “sixth to the ninth hour.” Also, Good Friday is noted for the altar having been stripped of all its vessels and left bare from Maundy Thursday evening through Holy Saturday. In addition, until recently there had been a general reluctance (especially in European churches) to extensively use the organ, piano, or other musical instruments to accompany the day’s hymns. Often they were instead sung “a cappella” (accompanied only by voice). Finally, “Tennebrae” (Darkness) worship services are also employed by many congregations.. For centuries they were utilized almost exclusively by Eastern (Greek) Orthodox churches, but in recent years they have become quite common in western churches also. Eastern/Greek Orthodox churches, incidentally, have traditionally and consistently placed a greater worship emphasis on the Good Friday observance of Jesus’ death for the world’s sins than on His resurrection celebration on Easter morning. Accordingly they employ very elaborate, dramatic, and symbolic Good Friday observances, such as “Tennebrae.” On the other hand, Western churches (European and American….such as ours) customarily place a greater worship emphasis on the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning. Ultimately, both groups have the Christian freedom to devoutly observe both occasions as they choose – provided such observances are in accord with God’s Word.
This evening one very special element of our Good Friday worship service will be our use of the over 1600 year old “Bidding Prayer” – a feature that has been a traditional part of Christian Good Friday observances for many centuries. The origins for the Bidding Prayer can actually be traced all the way back to the ancient, Old Testament Jewish synagogue service. There – after the Scripture lessons – prayers routinely were offered for members of the Jewish community and its needs. The early Christians expanded upon this idea, familiar to so many of them because the Church of that time contained many converts from Judaism. One of the Church’s 2nd century “fathers,” Justin Martyr, writes of a primitive litany prayer which often was recited after the Gospel lesson had been read. Early on, the Eastern Church developed a “deacon’s litany” during which one of the congregation’s deacons read a rather lengthy prayer. After each of the prayer’s petitions, the choir and congregation would respond, “Lord have mercy” and/or “Amen.” One of the Western Church’s early service orders, known as the Roman liturgy, also contained a deacon’s litany called “the Prayer of the Faithful.” By the fifth century this service order and the Prayer of the Faithful were no longer in common use, except for the latter’s annual presence — following the Gospel reading – as “The Bidding Prayer” in the traditional Good Friday service. The 16th century Lutheran Reformers saw value in retaining this prayer as a part of the Church’s worship heritage and practice; hence its inclusion not only in our hymnal but in this service flyer. The “Bidding Prayer” that we will use tonight is, with only slight variation, the same prayer text that was in use during the 5th century. Employing it on this solemn occasion not only joins us with each other, but with those Christian martyrs, confessors, servants and believers of every age.
We hope that this information about Good Friday, as well as our commemoration of Christ’s death for us will be both meaningful and especially spiritually edifying for you.
On the History of the Good Friday “Tennebrae” Worship Service
“Tennebrae” is the Latin word for “darkness,” and the utilization of a progressively darkened chapel this evening is intended to symbolize the darkness that covered the whole land from the sixth to the ninth hour (noon to three o’clock) on that first Good Friday. In combination with all of the other symbolic elements that are a part of this evening’s service, we hope that the darkening of the chapel and the period of silence at the close of this service will serve as a graphic reminder to you that each one of us bears a personal responsibility for the dark burden of sin that Jesus carried to the cross and left there as our Substitute.
The “Tennebrae” Service itself is of medieval origin. It was utilized for centuries almost exclusively by Eastern (Greek) Orthodox churches. “Tennebrae” services, however, have become more common in western churches (including our Lutheran church) over the last two centuries.
And one additional note…..
At the close of the service the Congregation is asked to leave the
chapel and the Church Building in silence, reverently contemplating
the significance of Christ’s death for all our sins, and faithfully
looking ahead to His resurrection on the third day.
Notes on Some of the Visual Symbolism
Employed in a “Tennebrae” Service
On our altar you can see a bare, blacked branch symbolizing the stark reality of sin and death. The wood symbolizes our Redeemer’s cross. Against this backdrop, the blood-red carnations are to remind us that “the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7). The red carnations are seven in number, representing the seven wounds of Christ.
You will also find Seven Red Candles to the left of the altar. These candles are the “Seven Word Candles” — one for each statement that Christ made while on the cross. One will be snuffed out each time one of Christ’s statements from the cross is completed.
There are also seven different colored candles to the left of the pulpit. They will serve to represent all the sins in the world. Seven is the Biblical number which is figuratively used for a “complete unit.” And so, and the total extinguishing of these candles shows that it was all the sins of the world which sent Christ to the cross; Christ’s sacrifice for sin is a complete one. The seven candles, respectively, serve then to remind us of: 1) the sins of the people who have already died; 2) the sins of the people yet to be born; 3) the sins of people all over the world; 4) the sins of people we don’t known; 5) the sins of our friends; 6) the sins of our own family; and, finally, 7) Our Own Sins!
Adjacent to the lectern sits a table on which Eleven White Votive Candles have been placed. They are intended to represent the eleven disciples of our Lord who forsook Jesus and ran into the darkness of Gethsemane. In addition, there is one Dark Votive Candle. It represents the one betrayer, Judas Iscariot, whose dark deeds of betrayal, deceit, unbelief and suicide, sadly speak for themselves.
Next, the Large White Candle at the center of the twelve votive disciple-candles is called “the Christ Candle” – serving to remind us that Jesus is always to be at the very center of our lives and hearts — as the one and only Light of the world and our Savior-God. When we remember Jesus dying, this candle is snuffed out, and we sit in the silence and darkness of a world where sin has overwhelmed and extinguished the Light of the Word, Jesus Christ. After approximately one minute of darkness and complete silence, the Christ Candle will be relit, reminding us of the Easter Sunday surety of the Resurrection of Christ, and of our own impending bodily resurrection from the grave.
Finally, the two candles on the altar symbolize the Two Natures of Christ – that is, Jesus’ Divine (Godly) nature as well as His Human nature. He had to possess both natures to effectively be our Savior. First, Jesus had to be fully human, because He had to be a man like us, who could live a life of absolute obedience to all God’s Law (which we are also expected to) as our Substitute, and also because He had to die the death we deserved due to our sins and to endure the separation from God/damnation of hell that we should receive for our sinfulness. Christ also had to be fully divine to be our Redeemer, so that His innocent death (as God – the ultimate sacrifice) would be supremely sufficient to pay fully for all the sins of all mankind and, in so doing, to reconcile the human race and the Lord. This evening, however, we will also refer to these Two Candles on the Altar as the Gospel and Epistle Candles. They will be snuffed out as Jesus says “It is Finished.” They remind us that everything which Christ did in the New Testament fulfilled all that which was spoken by the prophets about the Messiah in the Old Testament.
Silent prayer upon entering the sanctuary
WE WORSHIP THE SAVIOR
The Introduction to Worship
The Invocation
P: We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Amen.
P: All we like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way,
C: and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
P: The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.
C: And by His wounds we are healed.
The Opening Hymn “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”
“O sacred Head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded With thorns Your only crown.
O sacred Head, what glory, Now from Your face does shine!
Yet, tho’ despised and gory, I joy to call You mine.
Men mock and taunt and jeer You, They smite Your countenance,
Tho’ mighty worlds shall fear You And flee before Your glance.
How pale You are with anguish, With sore abuse and scorn!
Your eyes with pain now languish That once were bright as morn!
My burden in Your passion, Lord, You have born for me,
For it was my transgression My shame on Calvary
I cast me down before You; Wrath is my rightful lot.
Have mercy, I implore You; Redeemer, spurn me not.
What language shall I borrow To thank You dearest Friend,
For this Your dying sorrow, Your pity without end?
Oh make me Yours forever! And keep me strong and true;
Lord, let me never, never, Outlive my love for You.
My Savior, then be near me When death is at my door;
And let Your presence cheer me, Forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish Oh, leave me not alone,
But take away my anguish By virtue of Your own!
Lord, be my Consolation, My Shield when I must die;
Remind me of Your Passion When my last hour draws nigh.
My eyes will then behold You, Upon Your cross will dwell,
My heart will then enfold You. Who dies in faith dies well.
THE CONFESSION OF OUR SINS TO OUR LORD
Pastor – Brothers and sisters in Christ. Our God invites us to come into His presence and worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Miserable person that I am, I confess and lament to You, O most holy God, that I am a weak and sinful creature, guilty of every sin, of unbelief, and of blasphemy. I also confess that Your Word has not brought forth good fruit in
- I hear it, but do not receive it earnestly. I do not show works of love toward my neighbor. I am full of anger, hate, and envy. I am impatient, greedy, and bent on every evil. Therefore my heart and conscience are heavy. Lord, I ask You, free me from my sins, strengthen my faith, and comfort my weak conscience by Your divine Word, that I may obtain Your promised grace
Pastor – Having faithfully confessed your sins, now hear Your heavenly Father’s promise of forgiveness to you. Jesus explained God’s will and promise as clearly as possible in John 6:40 when He said, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day.” And now, carrying out my office as a called servant of the Living Word, I proclaim the grace and mercy of God to all of you, and according to the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, and in His place, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you. Amen.
Tonight’s Scripture Lesson Mark 15:20-37
20 When they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothing on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
21 A certain man, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), was passing by on his way in from the country. They forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means, “The place of a skull.” 23 They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 They crucified him. And they divided his garments, casting lots for them to decide what each of them would take.
25 Now it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The superscription stating the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 They also crucified two criminals with him, one on his right and one on his left.
29 Those who passed by ridiculed him, shaking their heads and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself! Come down from the cross!”
31 In the same way, the chief priests along with the experts in the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said. “He cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross so that we may see and believe!”
Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.
Jesus’ Death
33 When it was the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 At the ninth hour Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
35 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah!”
36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. They said, “Leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down.”
37 Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he cried out and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
WE OFFER OUR GIFTS TO THE LORD
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Because we aren’t able to pass an offering plate today, as we would during a regular worship service, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to the church address (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
3) You can also contact the Pastor about bringing your offering by the church during the week….
or, if you have a key to the church, by leaving it in the offering plate on the altar.
The Bidding Prayer
C Let us pray for the whole Christian Church, that our Lord God would defend her against all the assaults and temptations of the Devil, and keep her perpetually on the true foundation, Jesus Christ:
P Almighty and everlasting God, since You have revealed Your glory to all nations in Jesus Christ and in the Word of His truth, keep, we ask You, in safety the works of Your mercy so that Your Church, spread throughout all the nations, may be defended against our Adversary and may serve You in true faith and persevere in the confession of Your name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
Let us pray for all the ministers of the Word, for all vocations in the church, and for all the people of God:
P Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified, receive the supplications and prayers which we offer before You for all Your servants in Your holy Church that every member of the same may truly serve You according to Your calling; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
Let us pray for those in our confirmation classes, that our Lord God would open their hearts and the door of His mercy so that, having received the remission of all their sins by the washing of regeneration, they may be mindful of their Baptism, and evermore be found in Christ Jesus, our Lord:
P Almighty God and Father, because You always grant growth to Your Church, increase the faith and understanding of our catechumens that, rejoicing in their new birth by the water of Holy Baptism, they may forever continue in the family of those whom You adopt as Your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
Let us pray for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty:
P O merciful Father in heaven, because You hold in Your hand all the might of man and because You have ordained, for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well, all the powers that exist in all the nations of the world, we humbly pray You graciously to bless Your servants, especially for our nation’s President; the Congress of the United States; our Governor; the Legislature of our State, and all others in government who make, administer, and judge our laws; that all who receive the sword as Your ministers may bear it according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
Let us pray our Lord God Almighty; that He would deliver the world from all error, take away disease, ward off famine, set free those in bondage, grant health to the sick, and a safe journey to all who travel:
P Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may rejoice in Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
Let us pray for all who are outside the Church, that our Lord God would be pleased to deliver them from their error, call them to faith in the true and living God, and His only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and gather them into His family, the Church:
P Almighty and everlasting God, because You seek not the everlasting death but the eternal life of all, hear our prayers for all who have no right knowledge of You, free them from their error, and for the glory of Your name bring them into the fellowship of Your holy Church; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
Let us pray for peace, that we may come to the knowledge of God’s holy Word, and walk before Him as is fitting for Christians:
P Almighty and everlasting God, King of Glory, and Lord of heaven and earth, by whose Spirit all things are governed, by whose providence all things are ordered, the God of peace and the author of all concord, grant us, we implore You, Your heavenly peace and concord that we may serve You in true fear, to the praise and glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen. Let us pray for our enemies, that God would remember them in mercy, and graciously grant them such things as are both needful for them and profitable for their salvation:
P O almighty, everlasting God, through Your only Son, our blessed Lord, You have commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, and to pray for those who persecute us. We therefore earnestly implore You that by Your gracious visitation all our enemies may be led to true repentance and may have the same love and be of one accord and one mind and heart with us and with Your whole Christian Church; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
Let us pray for the fruits of the earth, that God would send down His blessing upon them and graciously dispose our hearts to enjoy them according to His own good will:
P O Lord, Father Almighty, by Your Word You created and You continue to bless and uphold all things. We pray You so to reveal to us Your Word, our Lord Jesus Christ that, through His dwelling in our hearts, we may by Your grace be made ready to receive Your blessing on all the fruits of the earth and whatsoever pertains to our bodily need; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.
P Finally, let us pray for all those things for which our Lord would have us ask, saying:
C 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 forever and ever. Amen.
THE SEVEN WORDS OF OUR
SAVIOR WHILE ON THE CROSS
What follows is a series of brief expositions on the seven words which our Savior spoke while
on the cross. Following each of the readings, a congregation hymn or vocal selection will be
sung. Following each musical selection, the lights of the sanctuary will be dimmed or turned out
in order both to depict the physical darkness that covered the whole land from the sixth to
the ninth hour on that first Good Friday, and especially to symbolize the darkness of our sins
for which our precious Savior suffered and died that we might be forgiven. When all the lights in the sanctuary have been extinguished, we will observe a minute of silence in the darkness, after which the Pastor will offer the concluding words of this evening’s service
The First Word
“FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO”
The Response Hymn Hymn 125 “When I Survey The Wond’rous Cross”
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.
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.
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 First Set of Candles Snuffed Out
The Candle for the Son of People who have died.
The Judas Iscariot and Simon the Zealot Disciple Candles.
The First Word Candle.
Jesus’ Second Word
“TRULY, I TELL YOU, TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE”
The Response Hymn Hymn 127 “Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted”
Verses 1 & 3
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree!
‘Tis the Christ, by man rejected; Yes, my soul, ’tis He, ’tis He!
‘Tis the long-expected Prophet, David’s Son, yet David’s Lord;
Proofs I see sufficient of it: ‘Tis the true and faithful Word.
Ye who think of sin but lightly Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly, Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed, See who bears the awful load;
‘Tis the Word, the Lord’s anointed, Son of Man and Son of God.
The Second Set of Candles Snuffed Out
The Candle for the Sins of People not yet born
The James the Less and Jude Disciple Candles
The Second Word Candle
+ + + + + + +
The Third Word of Jesus
“WOMAN, BEHOLD YOUR SON ….. BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER”
The Response Hymn “Our Blessed Savior Seven Times Spoke”
Verse 4
(sung to the melody of ‘In You Lord, have I put My Trust‘)
To weeping Mary, standing by
“Behold, thy son,” now hear Him cry;
To John, “Behold your mother.”
Provide, O Lord, for those we leave;
Let each befriend the other.
The Third Set of Candles Snuffed Out
The Candle for the Sins of People all over the world
The Thomas and Matthew Disciple Candles
The Third Word Candle
+ + + + + + +
Christ’s Fourth Word
“MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”
The Response Hymn Throned Upon The Awful Tree
verses 2-3 (to the tune “Gethsemane”)
Savior, silent through three hours, wrestling with the evil pow’rs,
left alone with human sin, gloom around You and within,
’til th’appointed time is nigh, as the Lamb of God….You die.
Oh, that cry of Your distress Piercing through the great darkness!
You, the Father’s only Son, You, His own Anointed One,
You now ask Him–can it be?– “Why have You forsaken me?”
The Fourth Set of Candles Snuffed Out
The Candle for the Sins of People we don’t know
The Bartholomew and Philip Disciple Candles
The Fourth Word Candle
+ + + + + + +
The Fifth Word of our Savior
“I THIRST”
The Response Hymn “Jesus, in Thy Thirst and Pain”
verse 1
Jesus in Thy thirst and pain,
While Thy wounds Thy life-blood drain
Thirsting more our love to gain;
Hear us, holy Jesus.
The Fifth Set of Candles Snuffed Out
The Candle for the Sins of our Friends
The James the Elder and John Disciple Candles
The Fifth Word Candle
+ + + + + + +
The Sixth Word of our Savior
“IT IS FINISHED”
The Response Hymn Hymn 114 “Christ the Life of All The Living”
verses 1 & 6
Christ, the Life of all the living, Christ, the Death of death, our foe,
Who, Thyself for me once giving To the darkest depths of woe,–
Through thy sufferings, death, and merit I eternal life inherit:
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.
Thou hast suffered great affliction And hast borne it patiently,
Even death by crucifixion, Fully to atone for me;
Thou didst choose to be tormented That my doom should be prevented.
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.
The Sixth Set of Candles Snuffed Out
The Candle for the Sins of our Families
The Andrew and Peter Disciple Candles
The Sixth Word Candle
The Gospel Candle
The Epistle Candle
+ + + + + + +
Our Savior’s Final Word
“FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT”
The Closing Hymn “The Old Rugged Cross”
On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suff’ring and shame
And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
Refrain So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown
Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world Has a wondrous attraction for me
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To bear it to dark Calvary Refrain
In the old rugged Cross, stain’d with blood so divine A wondrous beauty I see
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To pardon and sanctify me Refrain
To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away Where his glory forever I’ll share Refrain
The Seventh Set of Candles Snuffed Out
The Candle for our own Sins
The Seventh Word Candle
The Christ Candle Is Extinguished and Removed
One Minute Period of Silence
The Christ Candle, Symbol of Our Confidence
in Jesus’ Resurrection is Relighted and Returned to the Chapel
Silent Prayer
And please remember…..
Once this worship service concludes in silence, reverently contemplate the significance
of Christ’s death for all our sins, and faithfully look ahead to His resurrection
three days from now. As we head our separate ways now –
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you
May the Lord look upon you with favor, and give you His peace. Amen.