Florence, Arizona
Opening Prayer O Christ our God ceaselessly we worship before your cross that gives us life; and praise your resurrection, When on that third day You made anew Our failing nature showing us so clearly the Way back to heaven. For you alone are Good, the Lover of humankind. –John Damascus (676 – 749) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah But you, O Lord, are a a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! -Psalm 3:1-7 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Bless us, Lord Christ; by your forgiveness you place on our finger the ring of the prodigal son. -Taize Community (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. -John 19:28-30 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God! You have relieved me in my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. -Psalm 4:1 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer As enemies nailed You to a cross, You cried out for God to forgive them. When enemies of the cross rise up in these days with frightening strength, make us to be sons and daughters of God, enduring the hostility of those who oppose You with prayers of blessing. We lift our enemies to You. Give them what none of us deserve: the forgiveness and blessing of Your love. -Seek God for the City, 2010 
Gozo, Malta
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