Good Friday: Hold Fast to Our Confession: Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9
4:14Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5:7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
- As you continue the journey to the cross with Jesus, what confession do you hold?
- How does Jesus receive this confession with gentleness?
- As you continue the journey to the cross with Jesus, what help do you need?
- How does Jesus boldly respond with grace and mercy?
- As you are aware of the suffering of Jesus on the way, what cries, tears, and prayers are emerging in you?
- How are these words inviting you to follow Jesus today?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Friday, March 29, 2024, Good Friday (Year B)
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Psalm 22:1-31
Hebrews 10:16-25
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings. (c) 2024 The Rev. Dr. Lil Smith, DASD
Rev. Dr. Lil Smith is a trained spiritual director, supervisor, and co-founder of Retreat House Spirituality Center in Richardson, TX. Upon completion of her spiritual direction certification, Lil began Praying the Lectionary in 2011 as a spiritual practice for her morning prayer time. Instead of reading about someone else’s experience of God, it was important for her to create a prayer practice that would encourage felt sense experience of the Holy emerging from within. It dawned on her others might enjoy the practice, as well. So she began to share them on this site.
As you experience the practice of Praying the Lectionary, adopt a loving, caring, and compassionate stance. If the end of your prayer and meditation time is not pointing to love and hope, there is more work to do. Keep wrestling. God is faithful to your journey. Love and hope will emerge. Be gentle with yourself and befriend any judgment that arises in you.
