Strasbourg, France
Opening Prayer Lord Jesus, it brigs us great comfort to know that you understand our pain, for you were known as a man of sorrow, and one familiar with suffering. We bring our hearts to you resting secure in your love. -A2J Community (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God -Psalm 143: 7-10 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. -Isaiah 44:22 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” -John 19: 1-6 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. -1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer “O holy Lord Christ draw near to us, or we cannot follow Thee. Give us a strong and willing spirit, and when the weakness of the flesh appears, let Thy grace go on before us, accompany and follow us. For without Thee we can do nothing, least of all suffer a cruel death for Thy sake. Grant a willing spirit, a fearless heart, true faith, steadfast hope, perfect love, that for Thy sake we may, with patience and joy, surrender our life. Amen.” -Jan Hus, (1369-1415) penned two weeks before being burned at the stake 
Prague, Czech Republic
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