HOLY WEEK
A
book of personal devotions to use alone, or to use with online worship during
COVID-19 2020, when gathering at the church is suspended.
St.
Paul’s Church – Clarence, New York
Welcome, wherever you are, to
Holy Week. For many centuries, followers of Jesus have gathered together to
retrace and remember the last days of Jesus Christ, especially the three sacred
days that make up the Triduum (“three days”). We believe that these days cannot
be separated from one another, so they are celebrated as one liturgy. This
year, we cannot gather as a community, because of the COVID-19 virus. We are
refraining from being together, and we may still enter into the Holy Week of
Jesus in our homes and places of refuge. We are dispersed but not despairing.
Make
a holy place. Throughout this week, we will be attentive to the worshipful-ness
of our homes and places where we observe Holy Week. Set aside a holy place in
your home for Holy Week. Perhaps a simple side table covered with a cloth, of
any color. Whatever you have, is enough. Place a few things to help you enter
the presence of God: a cross, a bible, a candle. If you have children,
encourage them to choose one item for your holy place. The table should have at
most 5-6 things—simplicity is best.
You will also find in this
book links to online worship, which you are also encouraged to use.
If you live alone, you may
read and pray the words. If you are living with others, share the reading and
the prayers. Notes or instructions during the devotions will be found in
italics. These are not meant to be read aloud but are to help guide you.
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Palm Sunday is the day when
we remember Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem: “As he rode along, they spread their
garments on the road” (Luke 19:36). Palm Sunday also includes the long reading
of the Passion of Jesus, from his Last Supper to his death. This day ends with
uncertainty, for uncertain times. It encompasses all of humanity—the glory of
welcome and the shame of betrayal and the hope of forgiveness.
Find
or gather some branches from a garden or outside of your door, or something
growing. A houseplant is fine, or even a picture of a tree. Place it where you
have set apart space to pray this Holy Week in your home.
The
Liturgy of the Palms The
Book of Common Prayer 270
Blessed is the King who comes
in the name of the Lord:
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Assist us mercifully with your
help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the
contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and
immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The
Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let
us give thanks to the Lord our God. It
is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is
right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have
redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the
holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those
who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way.
Let
these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them
in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads
to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.
Blessed is the one who comes
in the name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest.
All Glory Laud And
Honor
Used by permission
through Rite Song.
The
Lord be with you. And also with you.
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 people sit.
Isaiah 50:4-9a
The Lord
GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the
weary with a word. Morning by morning he
wakens-- wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord
GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.
I gave my
back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not
hide my face from insult and spitting.
The Lord
GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face
like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me
is near.
Who will
contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them
confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty?
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please remain seated for the singing of the
Psalm. Read the Psalm in unison
Psalm 31:9-16
Have mercy on me, O
LORD, for I am in trouble;
my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
For my life is wasted
with grief, and my years with sighing;
my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
I have become a
reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my
acquaintance;
when they see me in the street they avoid me.
I am forgotten like a
dead man, out of mind;
I am as useless as a broken pot.
For I have heard the
whispering of the crowd; fear is all around;
they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.
But as for me, I have
trusted in you, O LORD.
I have said, "You are my God.
My times are in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
Make your face to
shine upon your servant,
and in your loving-kindness save me."
Philippians 2:5-11
Let the same mind be in you that
was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard
equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, according to
Matthew
Matthew 27:11-54
Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him,
“Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” But when he was
accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to
him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave
him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly
amazed.
Now at the festival the
governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they
wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So
after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release
for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he realized
that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting
on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that
innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.”
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas
and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do
you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to
them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them
said, “Let him be crucified!” Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But
they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
So when Pilate saw that he
could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and
washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood;
see to it yourselves.” Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us
and on our children!” So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging
Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
Then the soldiers of the
governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the
whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and
after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a
reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King
of the Jews!” They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.
After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on
him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
As they went out, they came
upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.
And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull),
they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he
would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes
among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over
him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus,
the King of the Jews.”
Then two bandits were
crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by
derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple
and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down
from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes
and elders, were mocking him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.
He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will
believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for
he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” The bandits who were crucified with him also
taunted him in the same way.
From noon on, darkness came
over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus
cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my
God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they
said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” At once one of them ran and got a
sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to
drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save
him.” Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that
moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth
shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of
the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came
out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the
centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the
earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man
was God’s Son!”
Sermon:
If
you can’t join us on-line, the reflection question is: As you read this reading, what was the thing
that most stood out for you? What does
that tell you about Jesus? What does that mean for you this week?
The
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the
Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the
only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from
Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the
Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came
down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the
Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius
Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in
accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the
right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and
the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,
the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father
and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and
apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and
the life of the world to come. Amen.
Let
us pray for the Church and for the world.
Grant,
Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live
together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Guide
the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and
peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Give
us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its
resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Bless
all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve
Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Comfort
and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit; give them courage and
hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
We
commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be
fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal
kingdom.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Lord
Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I
leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to
us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the
Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
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.
Blessing
Monday in Holy Week + April 6 + No digital worship
Psalm 36:7-8
How priceless is
your love, O God! your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
They feast upon
the abundance of your house; you give them drink from the river of your
delights.
A
Reading John
12:1-8
Six days before
the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised
from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was
one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of
pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was
filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his
disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this
perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the
poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he
was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)
Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for
the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always
have me."
Having read this, think on these things:
How can I offer the gentleness of anointing to the poor close to me or my
community? When have I been given this gentleness? Can you think of a hard
choice—between caring for yourself, or others? Offer these things to God.
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, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s
Prayer
Tuesday in Holy Week + April 7 + No digital worship
Psalm
71:5-6
For you are
my hope, O Lord God, my confidence since
I was young.
I have been
sustained by you ever since I was born; from
my mother's womb you have been my strength;
my praise shall be always
of you.
A
Reading John
12:20-26, 36
Among those who
went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who
was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see
Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told
Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be
glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth
and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world
will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I
am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
After Jesus had
said this, he departed and hid from them.
Having read this, think on these things:
What is dying inside of you, and what is growing? What in our world is
changing, and how can Jesus be our hope in the midst of this time?
O God, by the passion of your
blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of
life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer
shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s
Prayer
Wednesday in Holy Week + April 8 + No Digital Worship
Psalm
70:5-6
But as for
me, I am poor and needy; come to me speedily, O God.
You are my
helper and my deliverer; O Lord, do not tarry.
A
Reading John
13:21-30
At supper with
his friends, Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, "Very truly, I
tell you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another,
uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples-- the one whom Jesus
loved-- was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask
Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him,
"Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I give
this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." So when he had
dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he
received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him,
"Do quickly what you are going to do." Now no one at the table knew
why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse,
Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the festival"; or, that
he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread,
he immediately went out. And it was night.
Having read this, think on these things:
How is money used to glorify God? When is it used and it does not glorify God?
What do you imagine Jesus was feeling and thinking on this day?
Lord God, whose
blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit
upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time,
confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s
Prayer
MAUNDY THURSDAY + April 9 + Worship at 7 pm
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Christ
has no body now on earth but yours;
no
hands but yours; no feet but yours.
Yours
are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world.
Yours
are the feet with which He is to go about doing good.
Yours
are the hands with which He is to bless His people.
Add
to your place set apart for Holy Week a bowl of water and a clean washcloth.
Bless
the Lord who forgives all our sins.
His mercy endures forever.
The
Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on
the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully
grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our
Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who
now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Exodus 12:1-14
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in
the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it
shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of
Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family,
a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it
shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in
proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish,
a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall
keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled
congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of
the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which
they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted
over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw
or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner
organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that
remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your
loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you
shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the LORD. For I will pass through
the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the
land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will
execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you on the
houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no
plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
This day shall be a day of
remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD;
throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 116:1, 10-17
I love the LORD,
because he has heard the voice of my supplication, because he has inclined his
ear to me whenever I called upon him.
How shall I repay the
LORD for all the good things he has done for me?
I will lift up the
cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my
vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight
of the LORD is the death of his servants.
O LORD, I am your
servant; I am your servant and the child of your handmaid; you have freed me
from my bonds.
I will offer you the
sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the Name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my
vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the
LORD'S house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I
also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed
took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,
"This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In
the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the
new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of
me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim
the Lord's death until he comes.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The
Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were
in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the
heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus,
knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had
come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer
robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and
began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied
around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going
to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am
doing, but later you will understand." Peter said to him, "You will
never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no
share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but
also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed
does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean,
though not all of you." For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason
he said, "Not all of you are clean."After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord--and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
The
Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the
Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the
only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from
Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the
Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came
down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the
Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius
Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in
accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the
right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and
the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,
the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father
and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and
apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and
the life of the world to come. Amen.
I ask
your prayers for God’s people throughout the world; for our Presiding Bishop
Michael our Bishop Sean; for this gathering; and for all ministers and people.
Pray
for the Church.
Silence
I ask
your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of
all people.
Pray
for justice and peace.
Silence
I ask
your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in
prison.
Pray
for those in any need or trouble.
Silence
I ask
your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him.
Pray
that they may find and be found by him.
Silence
I ask
your prayers for the departed.
Pray
for those who have died.
Silence
I ask
your prayers for those in any need or trouble.
Silence
I ask
for your thanksgivings.
Silence
Praise
God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored
Pray
that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.
Silence
The celebrant concludes:
Heavenly
Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept
and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we
deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus
Christ
our Lord. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
This service ends with the
chanting of Psalm 22. Normally we would
strip the altar during that time.
GOOD FRIDAY + April 10 + Worship at noon
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Much of what we know of Holy Week comes from the account of a woman named
Egeria, widely regarded to be the author of a detailed account of a pilgrimage
to the Holy Land. The long letter, titled Peregrinatio or Itinerarium Egeriae,
is addressed to a circle of women at home. Historical details it contains set
the journey in the early 380s, making it the earliest of its kind. Many of the
acts of Good Friday worship are as Egeria described so long ago.
Blessed
be our God, For ever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray.
Almighty
God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus
Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to
suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The
Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
After he said these things, Jesus went out with his disciples and
crossed over to the other side of the Kidron Valley. He and his disciples
entered a garden there. Judas, his betrayer, also knew
the place because Jesus often gathered there with his disciples. Judas brought a company of
soldiers and some guards from the chief priests and Pharisees. They came
there carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus knew everything that was to happen to him, so he went out
and asked, “Who are you looking for?” They answered,
“Jesus the Nazarene.”
He said to them, “I Am.” (Judas, his betrayer, was
standing with them.) When he said, “I Am,” they shrank back and fell to the ground. 7 He asked them again, “Who
are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazarene.”
Jesus answered, “I told you, ‘I Am.’ If you are looking
for me, then let these people go.” This was so that the word he had spoken might be
fulfilled: “I didn’t lose anyone of those whom you gave me.”
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high
priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away!
Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?” Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the guards from
the Jewish leaders took Jesus into custody. They bound him and
led him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest
that year. (Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it was
better for one person to die for the people.)
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Because this
other disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high
priest’s courtyard. However, Peter stood outside near the gate. Then the other
disciple (the one known to the high priest) came out and spoke to the woman
stationed at the gate, and she brought Peter in. The servant woman stationed at the gate asked Peter, “Aren’t you
one of this man’s disciples?”
“I’m not,” he replied. The servants and the guards had made a fire because it was cold.
They were standing around it, warming themselves. Peter joined them there,
standing by the fire and warming himself.
Meanwhile, the chief priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his
teaching. Jesus answered, “I’ve spoken openly to the world. I’ve always
taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews gather. I’ve said
nothing in private. Why ask me? Ask those who heard
what I told them. They know what I said.”
After Jesus spoke, one of the guards standing there slapped Jesus
in the face. “Is that how you would answer the high priest?” he asked. Jesus
replied, “If I speak wrongly, testify about what was wrong. But if I speak
correctly, why do you strike me?” Then Annas sent him, bound,
to Caiaphas the high priest.
Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing with the guards, warming
himself. They asked, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?” Peter denied it,
saying, “I’m not.” A servant of the high priest, a relative of
the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said to him, “Didn’t I see you in the
garden with him?” Peter denied it again, and
immediately a rooster crowed.
The Jewish leaders led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s
palace. It was early in the morning. So that they could eat the Passover,
the Jewish leaders wouldn’t enter the palace; entering the palace would have
made them ritually impure. So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What charge
do you bring against this man?” They answered, “If he had done nothing wrong,
we wouldn’t have handed him over to you.”
Pilate responded, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your
Law.” The Jewish leaders replied, “The Law doesn’t allow us to kill anyone.” (This was so that Jesus’ word might be
fulfilled when he indicated how he was going to die.) Pilate went back into the palace. He summoned
Jesus and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your
own or have others spoken to you about me?”
Pilate responded, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your nation and its chief
priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t
originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t
have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.” “So you are a king?” Pilate said.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and
came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts
the truth listens to my voice.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked.
After Pilate said this, he returned to the Jewish leaders and said, “I
find no grounds for any charge against him. You have a custom that I release one prisoner for you at Passover.
Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?”
They shouted, “Not this man! Give us Barabbas!” (Barabbas was an
outlaw.) Then Pilate had Jesus taken and
whipped. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his
head, and dressed him in a purple robe. Over and over they went up to
him and said, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the
face. Pilate came out of the palace
again and said to the Jewish leaders, “Look! I’m bringing him out to you to let
you know that I find no grounds for a charge against him.” When
Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to
them, “Here’s the man.”
When the chief priests and their deputies saw him, they shouted
out, “Crucify, crucify!”
Pilate told them, “You take him and crucify him. I don’t find any
grounds for a charge against him.” The
Jewish leaders replied, “We have a Law, and according to this Law he ought to
die because he made himself out to be God’s Son.”
When Pilate heard this word, he was even more afraid. He went back into the residence and spoke to
Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus didn’t answer. So Pilate said, “You won’t speak to me? Don’t you know that I have
authority to release you and also to crucify you?” Jesus replied, “You would have no
authority over me if it had not been given to you from above. That’s why the
one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” From that moment on, Pilate wanted to release Jesus. However, the Jewish leaders cried out,
saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t a friend of the emperor! Anyone
who makes himself out to be a king opposes the emperor!”
When Pilate heard these words, he led Jesus out and seated him on
the judge’s bench at the place called Stone Pavement (in Aramaic, Gabbatha). It was about noon on the Preparation
Day for the Passover. Pilate said to the Jewish leaders, “Here’s your king.”
The Jewish leaders cried out, “Take him away! Take him away!
Crucify him!”
Pilate responded, “What? Do you want me to crucify your king?” “We
have no king except the emperor,” the chief priests answered. Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.
The soldiers took Jesus prisoner. Carrying his cross by himself, he went out to a place called Skull
Place (in Aramaic, Golgotha). That’s where they crucified him—and two others
with him, one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had
a public notice written and posted on the cross. It read “Jesus the Nazarene,
the king of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was
crucified was near the city and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. Therefore, the Jewish chief priests complained to Pilate, “Don’t
write, ‘The king of the Jews’ but ‘This man said, “I am the king of the
Jews.”’” Pilate answered, “What I’ve written, I’ve written.”
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and his
sandals, and divided them into four shares, one for each soldier. His shirt was
seamless, woven as one piece from the top to the bottom. They said to each other, “Let’s not tear it.
Let’s cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the scripture, “They divided my clothes among
themselves,
and they cast lots for my clothing.” That’s what the soldiers did.
and they cast lots for my clothing.” That’s what the soldiers did.
Jesus’ mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary Magdalene stood near the cross. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing
nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then
he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that time
on, this disciple took her into his home.
After this, knowing that everything was already completed, in
order to fulfill the scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A
jar full of sour wine was nearby, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, placed
it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When he had received the sour wine, Jesus
said, “It is completed.” Bowing his head, he gave up his life.
Silence
It was the Preparation Day and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the
bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath, especially since that Sabbath was
an important day. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of those crucified
broken and the bodies taken down. Therefore, the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men who
were crucified with Jesus. When they came to Jesus, they saw that
he was already dead so they didn’t break his legs. However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and
immediately blood and water came out. The one who saw this has
testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he speaks the truth, and he
has testified so that you also can believe. These
things happened to fulfill the scripture, “They won’t break any of his bones.” And another scripture
says, “They
will look at him whom they have pierced.”
After this Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate if he could take away
the body of Jesus. Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one because he
feared the Jewish authorities. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took
the body away. Nicodemus, the one who at first
had come to Jesus at night, was there too. He brought a mixture of myrrh and
aloe, nearly seventy-five pounds in all. Following Jewish burial
customs, they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it, with the spices, in linen
cloths. There was a garden in the place where Jesus
was crucified, and in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had ever been
laid. Because it was the Jewish Preparation Day and
the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus in it.
Silence
Dear
People of God: Our heavenly Father sent his Son into the world, not to condemn
the world, but that the world through him might be saved; that all who believe
in him might be delivered from the power of sin and death, and become heirs
with him of everlasting life.
We
pray, therefore, for people everywhere according to their needs.
Let
us pray for the holy Catholic Church of Christ throughout the world;
For
its unity in witness and service
For
all bishops and other ministers and the people whom they serve
For Sean
our Bishop, and all the people of this diocese
For
all Christians in this community
For
those about to be baptized
That
God will confirm his Church in faith, increase it in love, and preserve it in
peace.
Silence
Almighty
and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is
governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer
before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and
ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let
us pray for all nations and peoples of the earth, and for those in authority
among them;
For Donald,
the President of the United States
For
the Congress and the Supreme Court
For
the Members and Representatives of the United Nations
For
all who serve the common good
That
by God’s help they may seek justice and truth, and live in peace and concord.
Silence
Almighty
God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with
your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in
tranquillity your dominion may increase, until the earth is filled with the
knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let
us pray for all who suffer and are afflicted in body or in mind;
For
the hungry and the homeless, the destitute and the oppressed
For
the sick, the wounded, and the crippled
For
those in loneliness, fear, and anguish
For
those who face temptation, doubt, and despair
For
the sorrowful and bereaved
For
prisoners and captives, and those in mortal danger
That
God in his mercy will comfort and relieve them, and grant them the knowledge of
his love, and stir up in us the will and patience to minister to their needs.
Silence
Gracious
God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who suffer: Let the cry
of those in misery and need come to you, that they may find your mercy present
with them in all their afflictions; and give us, we pray, the strength to serve
them for the sake of him who suffered for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let
us pray for all who have not received the Gospel of Christ;
For
those who have never heard the word of salvation
For
those who have lost their faith
For
those hardened by sin or indifference
For
the contemptuous and the scornful
For
those who are enemies of the cross of Christ and persecutors of his disciples
For
those who in the name of Christ have persecuted others
That
God will open their hearts to the truth, and lead them to faith and obedience.
Silence
Merciful
God, creator of all the peoples of the earth and lover of souls: Have compassion
on all who do not know you as you are revealed in your Son Jesus Christ; let
your Gospel be preached with grace and power to those who have not heard it;
turn the hearts of those who resist it; and bring home to your fold those who
have gone astray; that there may be one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Let
us commit ourselves to our God, and pray for the grace of a holy life, that,
with all who have departed this world and have died in the peace of Christ, and
those whose faith is known to God alone, we may be accounted worthy to enter into
the fullness of the joy of our Lord, and receive the crown of life in the day
of resurrection.
Silence
O God
of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church,
that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence,
carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and
know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had
grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their
perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our
Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.
We
glory in your cross, O Lord,
and
praise and glorify your holy resurrection; for by virtue of your cross joy has
come to the whole world.
May
God be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of his countenance, and
come to us.
Let
your ways be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations.
Let
the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
We
glory in your cross, O Lord, and praise and glorify your holy resurrection; for
by virtue of your cross joy has come to the whole world.
We adore
you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because
by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
If we
have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also
reign with him.
We
adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have
redeemed the world.
The hymn “Sing, my tongue, the glorious
battle,” is chanted.
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.
Lord
Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross,
and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our
death. Give mercy and grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your
holy Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory;
for with the Father and Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.
HOLY SATURDAY AND THE GREAT VIGIL + April 11 + Worship @ 4 pm
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At St. Paul’s, we have long done an adaptation of the Vigil for children
& families and we will be further adapting it this year.
Before the service gather – a candle or flashlight; a bowl of
water and something that will make noise like a bell or tamborine or even a pot
and spoon.
Tonight we take a break from what we usually do and think
about God. We remember that Jesus died
and that on Easter he left death behind and rose from the dead. We also remember that, long before Jesus,
while the people of Israel were slaves in Egypt, that the angel of death passed
by their houses. We remember both of
these things because Jesus shares his victory over death with us. We know that because of Jesus lives, we will
live forever with him.
Let us pray:
O God, in your Son, Jesus, you have given us, and all your
people, your light. Bless this
fire. Make us excited for you and for
Jesus so that as we celebrate Easter, we will always be a part of the light
that you bring to the world. Amen.
Light your candle or turn
on your flashlight.
The Exsultet is one of the
most ancient songs of the church – it tells about Jesus’ victory over death.
Rejoice now, heavenly hosts
and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout Salvation for the victory of
our mighty King.
Rejoice and sing now, all the
round earth, bright with a glorious splendor,
for darkness has been
vanquished by our eternal King.
Rejoice and be glad now,
Mother Church, and let your holy courts, in radiant light, resound with the
praises of your people.
It is truly right and good,
always and everywhere, with our whole heart and mind and voice, to praise you,
the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who at the feast of the
Passover paid for us the debt of Adam's sin, and by his blood delivered your
faithful people.
This is the night, when you
brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led
them through the Red Sea on dry land.
This is the night, when all
who believe in Christ are delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to
grace and holiness of life.
This is the night, when Christ
broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.
How wonderful and beyond our
knowing, O God, is your mercy and loving-kindness to us, that to redeem a slave,
you gave a Son.
How holy is this night, when
wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to
the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and
brings peace and concord.
How blessed is this night,
when earth and heaven are joined and we are reconciled to God.
Holy Father, accept our living
sacrifice of this candle in your honor. May Christ, the light of the world,
bring us healing. May Christ, your light in us, drive away darkness and fear.
May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find our faith ever burning,
our love of mercy and justice ever afire – he who gives his light to all
creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
The Vigil always includes
stories of the relationship between God and people. This year we will tell only two stories.
We are now going to hear some of the stories of what God has
done in the past, how he saved his people in the past. We are going to pray that God will be with us
today too.
Story of Creation – Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Let us pray.
O God, you created all people and even better you restored
us and made us all special. Grant that
we can share eternal life with Jesus in the same way that he shared human life
with us. Amen.
Israel’s deliverance through at the Red Sea – Exodus
14:10-31; 15:20-21
Let us pray.
O God, the great things that you did long ago seem great
even today. By your power you saved your
people from slavery under Pharaoh, to remind us that you save us by the water
of baptism. Through Jesus Christ bring
all people into the family of Abraham & the people of Israel. Make us all
your people. Amen.
Through Baptism we share in Jesus’ death & we share in
his rising from the dead and live a new life in Jesus Christ. Now that we have finished the fasts &
prayers of Lent, we renew the promises that were made when we were baptized and
promise again to serve God and be a part of the Church.
Do you choose again to reject evil & do you choose again
to follow Jesus Christ?
I do.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the
Father almighty, creator of heaven & earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus
Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by
the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended to the
dead. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into
heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to
judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy
Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of
sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers?
I will with God’s
help.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and whenever you fall
into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will with God’s
help.
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God
in Christ?
I will with God’s
help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your
neighbor as yourself?
I will with God’s
help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and
respect the dignity of every human being?
I will with God’s
help.
Almighty God, with the water of our baptism, you washed away
our sins. With the power of your Holy
Spirit you have given us new life.
Remind us that we have eternal life because Jesus loves us. Amen.
Take your bowl of water and sprinkle some around. We sprinkle water to remind us of our
baptisms. When the sprinkling is over
have the youngest person in the room shout
Alleluia, Christ is risen.
Everyone else shout back
The Lord is risen
indeed, Alleluia.
Ring your bells and shout Alleluia.
The Lord be with you. And
also with you. Let us pray.
O God, you made this night special because we remember
Jesus’ rising from the dead. Give all of
us, and everyone in the Church, joy and energy so that we can worship you in
joy and take that joy into the world. Amen.
The holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to
Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord
Christ.
After the
sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other
Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an
angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and
sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said
to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who
was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see
the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been
raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you
will see him.' This is my message for you." So they left the tomb quickly
with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them
and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet,
and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell
my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise
to you, Lord Christ.
The Lord’s Prayer & Blessing
EASTER SUNDAY + April 12 + Worship at 10 am
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Jesus
Christ is Risen Today
Jesus
Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who
did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns
of praise then let us sing. Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who
endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But
the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
No
above the sky he’s King. Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing
we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as his love, Alleluia!
Praise
him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
Alleluia.
Christ is risen. The Lord is risen
indeed. Alleluia.
Almighty
God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are
hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
The
Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, who for our redemption gave
your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious
resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily
to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Acts 10:34-43
Then Peter began to speak to them:
"I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation
anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the
message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is
Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after
the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who
were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that
he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on
a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to
all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and
drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the
people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living
and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in
him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Give thanks to the
LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.
Let Israel now
proclaim, "His mercy endures for ever."
The LORD is my
strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.
There is a sound of
exultation and victory in the tents of the righteous:
"The right hand
of the LORD has triumphed! the right hand of the LORD is
exalted! the right hand of the LORD
has triumphed!"
I shall not die, but
live, and declare the works of the LORD.
The LORD has punished
me sorely, but he did not hand me over to death.
Open for me the gates
of righteousness; I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the
LORD.
"This is the
gate of the LORD; he who is righteous may enter."
I will give thanks to
you, for you answered me and have become my salvation.
The same stone which
the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD'S
doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the LORD
has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
If for this life
only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
But in
fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have
died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead
has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be
made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then
at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands
over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and
every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies
under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The
Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Early
on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to
the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and
went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said
to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where
they have laid him.”
Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward
the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter
and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings
lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and
went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that
had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a
place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went
in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture,
that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she
bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where
the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.
They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have
taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had
said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know
that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you
looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you
have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him
away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!”
(which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have
not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am
ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary
Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she
told them that he had said these things to her.
The
Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
We believe in one God, the Father, the
Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the
only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from
Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the
Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came
down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the
Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius
Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in
accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the
right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and
the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,
the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father
and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and
apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and
the life of the world to come. Amen.
Let
us pray for the Church and for the world.
Grant,
Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live
together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Guide
the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and
peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Give
us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its
resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Bless
all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve
Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Comfort
and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit; give them courage and
hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
We
commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be
fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal
kingdom.
Lord
in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Lord
Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I
leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to
us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the
Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.
The
Lord’s Prayer & Blessing
Welcome
Happy Morning
“Welcome,
happy morning!” age to age shall say: hell today is vanquished, heaven is won
today!
Lo!
the dead is living, God for evermore! Him their true Creator, all his works
adore!
“Welcome,
happy morning!” age to age shall say.
Earth
her joy confesses, clothing her for spring, all fresh gifts returned with her
returning King:
Bloom
in every meadow, leaves on every bough, speak his sorrows ended, hail his triumph
now.
“Welcome,
happy morning!” age to age shall say.
Months
in due succession, days of lengthening light, hours and passing moments praise
thee in their flight.
Brightness
of the morning, sky and fields and sea, vanquisher of darkness bring their praise
to thee,
“Welcome,
happy morning!” age to age shall say.
Maker
and Redeemer, life and health of all, thou from heaven beholding human nature’s
fall,
Of
the Father’s Godhead true and only Son, mankind to deliver, manhood didst put
on.
“Welcome,
happy morning!” age to age shall say.
Thou
of life the author, death didst undergo, tread the path of darkness, saving
strength to show;
Come
then true and faithful, now fulfill thy word. ‘tis thine own third morning!
Rise, O buried Lord!
“Welcome,
happy morning!” age to age shall say.
Loose
the souls long prisoned, bound with Satan’s chain; all that now is fallen raise
to life again;
Show
thy face in brightness, bid the nations see; bring again our daylight: day
returns with thee!
“Welcome,
happy morning!” age to age shall say.
About this Book….
This booklet was adapted by the work done by The Rev.
Mary Kate Schroeder and the people of St. Aidan’s Church in Boulder,
Colorado.
Readings from The New Revised Standard Version of the
Bible © 1989 by The Division of Christian Education of The National Council of
the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., used by permission. Artwork is used with
permission.
Prayers are drawn from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 and
The Book of Occasional Services 2018. Some of the notes “Having heard/read
this, think on these things:” are drawn from the work of Gail Ramshaw and
Gordon Lathrop for Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, Holy Week for 2020,
used with permission. Modifications to the Book of Common Prayer recommended by
Dr. James Farwell, Virginia Theological Seminary, particular to this season of
the church not gathering publicly for COVID-19
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