category: Bidding Prayer, Liturgy

Seven Last Words Bidding Prayer

By Rachael Keefe

Come, let us pray for the people of God gathered and scattered throughout the world. People may silently or quietly offer prayers On this holy day when we remember the crucifixion of Christ, we desire to be united with all who gather for worship today. Through your act of nearly unbearable …

Seven Last Words Bidding Prayer

2015-04-03 11.47.09

Come, let us pray for the people of God gathered and scattered throughout the world.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

On this holy day when we remember the crucifixion of Christ, we desire to be united with all who gather for worship today. Through your act of nearly unbearable love you called us to be your body – your hands, your feet, your voice – wherever and however we gather. May we live in love today and all days.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
As Jesus said, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do,” let us pray for those we need to forgive and those who need to forgive us.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

Merciful Christ, even as you were nailed to the cross, you spoke of forgiveness. Everything you did in life and death pointed to boundless love and unconditional forgiveness. We have much to learn all these years later. Let the fact that we are forgiven for that we do to hurt ourselves, our neighbors, and all of creation sink into our hearts today. When we leave the shadows of the cross, may we be ready to fully embrace lives of grace and mercy.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
As Jesus promised, “Today you will be with me in paradise” to one crucified with him, let us pray for all those trapped in hopelessness and despair.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

Eternal Christ, even though you were unjustly condemned to death, you condemned no one. Your words hold hope and promise for all those who are condemned by the powerful ones of our day. Teach us to see beyond actions, failed systems of justice, and brokenness that we may see you in the face of those we would condemn. May we reach out to friends and strangers with confidence in your promise of an eternal life of joy.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
As Jesus offered hope to his mother and his friend, “Woman, behold your son” and “Here is your mother,” let us pray for all families – born and chosen.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

Courageous Christ, as you faced death you spoke words of comfort to your mother and your beloved disciple. Let us remember that there are many ways to create family. No one should be left alone in grief or suffering when your followers are asked to love as you first loved us. Remove our tendency to judge those who define family differently than we do. May we trust you enough to believe that love wears many faces.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
As Jesus called out in his agony, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” let us pray for those who are suffering and forsaken.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

Suffering Christ, you cried out in anguish after your disciples scattered in fear, leaving you to suffer alone. In that moment your humanity and vulnerability could not be denied. May we see the fullness of humanity and the fullness of you in all those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. As long as you have followers and friends, may no one ever truly be forsaken.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
As Jesus spoke his need, “I thirst,” let us pray for all those in need of water, food, shelter, healthcare, or safety.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

Steadfast Christ, you may have spoken to fulfill prophecy, yet these words speak of need. Too many people have their basic needs unmet. There is no sin in needing help, but there is a great deal of sin when we do not respond to the needs of those around us. May we be reminded that when any of the least are thirsty, hungry, homeless, neglected, or afraid so are you. Let us truly love our neighbors as ourselves.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.

As Jesus recognized the end of his ministry and his life saying, “It is finished,” let us pray for all those who struggle to find meaning in Jesus’ life or their own.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

Gracious Christ, in the hour of your death, you recognized that you had done all you could and the rest was up to those who would follow you. Your life and death were an act of unfathomable love. Even those of us who call ourselves your followers, often struggle to believe and accept your love for the whole of creation. Let us continue to be agents of your love in this world, especially for those who believe themselves to be unworthy of love.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
As Jesus gave himself to God with his last words, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” let us pray for those who are facing death.

People may silently or quietly offer prayers

Faithful Christ, even after all you had been through, you stayed true to yourself and your grace-filled purpose. For many of us, dying and death are viewed as the enemy. For those who suffer with illness and pain or for those who have lived a long life, dying is not failure. You showed us love that abides in this world and the next. Let us not be fearful for our loved ones whose time for dying it clearly is. And, let us, with grace and compassion, trust that you will welcome each of us into paradise when our time comes.

Christ, in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.

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About Rachael Keefe

Rachael is an author, a pastor, a teacher, and a poet. Her latest book (The Lifesaving Church - Chalice Press) is on faith and suicide prevention. She is currently the pastor of Living Table UCC in Minneapolis, and has launched a spiritual direction practice.

3 thoughts on “Seven Last Words Bidding Prayer”

  1. Hello Pastor Rachael.
    Really wonderful service. I’d like to use it for a community Good Friday prayer service. Is that possible?

    Reply

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