Good Friday Tenebrae Service
Updated: Jun 13, 2022
Image: "Descent From the Cross" by Sadao Watanabe, 1973
https://imagejournal.org/article/profound-faith-profound-beauty-life-art-sadao-watanabe/
What is "tenebrae" service? "The word "tenebrae" comes from the Latin meaning "darkness." The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian Good Friday service that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles to symbolize the events of that week from the triumphant Palm Sunday entry through Jesus' burial." https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-a-tenebrae-service
Today, we'd like to encourage you to participate in this worship service at your place.
As you begin this holy worship time with God,
Sit before a cross or the image of a cross.
Begin your own worship by lighting a candle or candles.
Remember, God is present wherever you are.
Opening Prayer:
Almighty God, look with loving mercy on your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Proclamation of The Passion Story: John 18:1-19:37
* Readers: Elaine Asami, Irene Ikeda, Jonah Wong, Fay & Glenn Nakaguchi, Diane & Larry Honda, Marcia Chung, Rev. Kay & June Sakaguchi, and Ken Bunden
A Devotional by Rev. Rae Kim
Special Music: You Are Mine by David Haas (Cover)
The Bidding Prayer
A brief silence follows each intercession.
We pray for the church throughout the world. . .
we pray for our bishop, our pastor, and all servants of the church. . .
we pray for those preparing for baptism. . .
we pray for the Jewish people, the first to hear the word of God. . .
we pray for those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. . .
we pray for those who do not believe in God. . .
we pray for God’s creation. . .
we pray for those who serve in public office. . .
we pray for those in any need. . .
and we pray for all afflicted by the coronavirus. . .
Finally, we pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, Forgive us our sins As we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, And deliver us from evil, For the kingdom, the power, And the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen.
Action for the Day
What can you sacrifice today to serve others? Your time, energy, gift, financial or material resources? How can you participate in the Kingdom Movement Jesus started by giving his own life for the Love's sake?
Conclude with these words:
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. By your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Amen.
Close worship by extinguishing of candle(s)
worship resource: https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/10235/home-worship-for-maundy-thursday-good-friday-and-easter-vigil-without-full-scripture-text