Good Friday Prayer Litany

Here is an opening prayer of thanksgiving for Good Friday worship.  It was written by Rev. Kelly Burd.

Prayer for Good Friday

O God, we return today

to remember the love and sacrifice of Jesus,
and to contemplate what it means to have faith
in the midst of suffering, loss, and injustice.

Even in this story of broken lives and broken hearts,
we trust in your presence, your powers, and your ways.
We trust that in the midst of suffering,
You, O God, are comfort.

When injustice appears to triumph,
and justice appears to have been crucified,
You, O God, are the one who calls us
to believe the good news
and act with justice.

When we stray from the path on which you lead us,
You, O God, offer grace that invites us
back to your ways.

When night surrounds us, and we are fearful and lacking vision,
You, O God, are the light that finds,
surrounds and guides us.

When the world groans under the bonds of oppression,
violence and indifference,
You, O God, empower your people
to offer the balm of courageous compassion
and peacemaking.

When the curtain has ripped, the thunder has rolled,
and the world appears to have lost its Savior,
You, O God, are our hope for victory!
We wait for you. Amen.

— from Our Hope for Victory: Litany for Good Friday, written by Rev. Kelly Burd. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. 

For more worship resources for Good Friday, click on Good Friday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.