Church Dedication? Institution of a Rector? What’s it all about? - Part 2 Of Warden Robes, Keys, and Processions

As was mentioned in the last article, each part of the upcoming liturgy has a meaning. From the vestments and robes worn, things presented, hymns and scriptures selected, to our position and the prayers we pray.

Today I want to highlight the role of the wardens and how we honor their authority. In the Anglican tradition there is the Senior (or Rector’s) Warden and the Junior (or People’s) Warden. At St. Anselm the Sr. Warden is selected by the Rector and the Jr. Warden is elected by the sitting Vestry (who have been elected by the congregation). The Wardens together are the pinnacle of authority for the Parish Church in “things temporal” (property, assets, etc.). Together they represent the Vestry to the Bishop and Rector. Liturgically their position marked by 1) the robes they wear, 2) Their place in the processions and 3) where they sit for festal services and formal occasions. They traditionally sit in the back pew – the Sr. Warden sits on the right and the Jr. Warden on the left keeping a watchful eye on the congregation.

Today you will see them in ceremonial robes which have been supplied from Nigeria by The Rev. and Mrs. Joshua G. Ajayi. This tradition died away in America but is a noble one which we are bringing back to better demonstrate the dignity of the lay leadership. (Plus, they really look cool). In the future you will see them in different colors, to match the seasons worn only by the wardens.

On Sunday the Wardens will hold a ceremonial key. On it the St. Anselm seal is emblazoned. It will be given to the Bishop by the Jr. Warden at the front door as a symbol of their acknowledgement of his spiritual authority. The bishop will return it back to the Sr. Warden who then will give it to the Rector later at his Institution recognizing that he is the spiritual authority as the bishop’s local representative. They give the keys also as a physical reminder that the church’s doors should be “open to all, that many would come to know the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.” (BCP, 519).

Church Dedication? Institution of a Rector? What Is This All About? - Part 1

This upcoming Sunday marks a doubly special day for our congregation and the diocese. It is also a big day, personally for me too!

Parish Dedications/Consecrations are rare things today. I have only ever been to one in my lifetime. Partly this is because starting new mission congregations is difficult enough, but developing them into parish churches is especially challenging. Yet here we are, by God’s grace, dedicating St. Anselm Anglican as a “Parish” Church – a financially independent fully functioning congregation. Like all liturgy, the upcoming 2 o’clock service is not just fancy ceremony without meaning. Rather, it is ceremony that dramatically enacts a story in celebration. Whether you were there at the first living room meetings or just began attending this tells our story together. It is a story that has gone on for centuries as God’s kingdom grows. This week I will be publishing a series of small articles to you about the liturgy you will be attending with the goal of helping you understand and take in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

WE BEGIN OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH IN THE COURTYARD

PROCESSIONS INTO THE CHURCH (Yes, there are two!)

We begin outside the building (weather permitting). The incense and cross lead the way along with all the attending members of the clergy. First the oldest holy order of deacons followed by those ordained into the holy order of the presbyterate (priests), followed by high ranking church officials such as canons, deans, and the archdeacon. (Some of you may recall that it was an archdeacon who dedicated Lakewood Anglican as a mission in October 2014) The laity follow this procession into the Church singing. The doors are then closed.

The second procession made up of the bishop, the rector-elect and his wardens comes to the church doors and the bishop knocks three times with his crozier (pastoral staff). The Wardens (elected heads of the Vestry and therefore the laity) hand him the keys and open the doors. He blesses the building thus beginning the dedication. The symbolism here is inescapable and shows the reality of 1 Corinthians 12:24-27.

God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (Corinthians 12:24-27, ESV)

The parish church is not owned by the bishop, nor is it independent of the larger church and controlled by the Vestry or unilaterally led by the pastor, rather, it is the work of all together called and ordered by the hand of Almighty God.

Way of the Cross - Station 14 and Closing Prayer

FOURTEENTH STATION - Jesus is laid in the tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.  He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.  And Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock.  And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb.                                                  Matthew 27:57-60

You will not abandon me to the grave:

Nor let your Holy One see corruption.

Let us pray.

O God, your blessed Son was laid in a tomb in a garden, and rested on the Sabbath day:  Grant that we who have been buried with him in the waters of baptism may find our perfect rest in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for the Elderly

Pray that God’s strength and peace will be poured out on those who are advanced in years. Pray for them to be honored and cared for so that loneliness would be banished with lasting friendships and family bonds. Pray for grace and strength to deal with illness. Pray that their latter years will be significant, reflecting the glory of God. Pray for special protection from COVID-19.

CONCLUDING PRAYERS BEFORE THE ALTAR

Savior of the world, by your cross and precious blood you have redeemed us:

Save us, and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.

Let us pray.

We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

To Christ our Lord who loves us, and washed us in his own blood, and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Proclamation of the Cross

Standing or kneeling in front of the altar

We glory in your cross, O Lord, and praise you for your mighty resurrection;

by virtue of your cross joy has come into our world. 

God be gracious to us and bless us:

make his face shine upon us,

Let your ways be made known on the earth:

your liberating power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God:

all the peoples praise you. 

We glory in your cross, O Lord, and praise you for your mighty resurrection;

by virtue of your cross joy has come into our world.

Almighty God, as we stand at the foot of the cross of your Son, may we know your love for us, that in humility, love and joy we may place at his feet all that we have and all that we are; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.  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 you live and reign now and for ever. 

Amen. 

Let us pray for the coming of the kingdom in the words our Saviour taught us:

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. 

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved mankind:  Grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

Way of the Cross - Station 13

THIRTEENTH STATION - The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

All you who pass by, behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.  For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears; for a comforter is far from me, one to revive my spirit; my children are desolate, for the enemy has prevailed.                                                            Lamentations 1:12, 16

"Do not call me Naomi (which means Pleasant), call me Mara (which means Bitter); for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me." 

Ruth 1:20-21

Her tears run down her cheeks:

And she has none to comfort her.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies' sake.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Refugees, Immigration and Racial Harmony

Pray for immigration to take place fairly and honorably. Pray for protection and provision. Pray for families to be reunited and for those desiring to return to homelands to be granted temporary asylum and swift repatriation. Pray for Christians to open their homes and neighborhoods in wise and helpful ways. Pray for the Gospel to be heard, drawing many to Christ. Pray that God will bring racial harmony; that long-standing offenses may be healed by the forgiveness that begins in Jesus; that Christians show honor and serve others in Christ’s reconciling power; that the beauty of distinctive languages and cultures would be on display in local churches.

Way of the Cross - Station 12

TWELFTH STATION - Jesus dies on the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!"  Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!"                                     John 19:26-27

And when Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished!"  Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."  And having said this he breathed his last. 

John 19:30;  Luke 23:46

Christ for us became obedient unto death:

Even death on a cross.

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; who lives and reigns now and for ever.  Amen

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for the Salvation of Our City

Pray that Jesus would be known in every part of our city. Send us ahead of You to prepare Your way by prayer. Keep us dependent on You, our Shepherd so that you are on display and not us. Gather many of Your flock by the power of the gospel. May Your people bring the gospel to every neighborhood that all may know and walk with You.

Way of the Cross - Station 11

ELEVENTH STATION - Jesus is nailed to the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.  And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him; and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.  And one said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  And he said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”                                                                  Luke 23:32-33, 42-43

They pierce my hands and my feet:

They stare and gloat over me.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace:  So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for the Homeless

Pray for immediate relief, shelter, food and health care; that Christ will restore hope for the future; for wise counsel and trustworthy friendships; for protection from the risks of life on the streets; for employment, housing and restored family life.

Way of the Cross - Station 10

TENTH STATION - Jesus is stripped of his garments

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

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.  The soldiers took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier, also his tunic.  But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.”  This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

"They divided my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing."

Matthew 27:33-34;  John 19:23-24

They gave me gall to eat:

And when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink.

Let us pray.

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 our Lord.  Amen

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Financial Needs and a Right Relationship with Material Wealth

Pray that the spiritual and physical needs of the poor will be met with dignity and stability. Pray that God will release them from cycles of oppression and despair so that the poor are transformed to become God’s blessing for others. Pray for a right relationship with money, knowing that all things come from God and He is our provider; for all believers to exhibit a spirit of cheerful generosity.

Way of the Cross - Station 9

NINTH STATION - Jesus falls a third time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light.  He has besieged me and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago.  Though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.  He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes.  "Remember, my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall!"                    Lamentations 3:1-2, 5-6, 8, 16, 19

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter:

And like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth.

Let us pray.

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.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Healthcare Workers and the Sick

Pray for God to touch those who are sick in your community with healing and comfort. Pray that they will grow in grace as God walks with them throughout their ordeal; that God will provide for their financial needs; for their caregivers and families; that many will renew their trust in Christ and follow Him boldly, even in affliction. Pray that God will equip healthcare workers of every kind to serve with wise and loving hearts; that God will bless them with perseverance and joy; that the demands of their professions will bring no harm to their families and friendships; that many would follow Christ. Pray special protection against COVID-19.

Way of the Cross - Station 8

EIGHTH STATION - Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

There followed after Jesus a great multitude of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.  But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."                                         Luke 23:27-28

Those who sowed with tears:

Will reap with songs of joy

Let us pray.

Teach your Church, O Lord, to mourn the sins of which it is guilty, and to repent and forsake them; that, by your pardoning grace, the results of our iniquities may not be visited upon our children and our children's children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for the Church Universal and Peace Among Christians

Pray for the Church Universal to be filled with all truth and peace; purify it where it is corrupt, direct it where it is in error, and reform what is amiss. Make Christians the world over to be of one heart and mind, united in Christ. Deliver the Church from all enmity and prejudice and everything that hinders from godly union.

Way of the Cross - Station 7

SEVENTH STATION - Jesus falls a second time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture Reference: 

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned - every one - to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.  For the transgression of my people was he stricken.                           Isaiah 53:6-8

But as for me, I am a worm and no man:

Scorned by all and despised by the people.

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; who lives and reigns for ever and ever.  Amen.

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Our Daily Work and the Unemployed

Pray that God will meet the needs to those without work in a way that they can clearly thank God for His provision; that they will soon find meaningful employment and glorify God for it; that God will open the way for righteous trade so that the entire city prospers in His provision. Pray that God will reveal the dignity and honor of doing work as unto Christ; that workplaces would be a setting of safety, joy and friendship; for workers to be treated with justice and dignity; for continued employment in the changing global economy; for many to follow Christ and serve Him openly in the workplace with co-laborers.

Way of the Cross - Station 6

SIXTH STATION - A woman wipes the face of Jesus

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.  He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. 

Isaiah 53:2-5

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts:

Show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. 

Let us pray.

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Nature, Rogation and General Revelation

Pray that eyes would be opened to God’s handiwork in the beauty of nature; for the restoration of our land through sustainable stewardship and care by all people; for God’s blessing on the land. Pray that God will bless families who farm or support agricultural industries, that they would prosper. Pray that they would follow Christ and find ways to be part of life-giving churches. Pray especially for migrant workers who sometimes face injustice and difficulties.

Way of the Cross - Station 5

FIFTH STATION - The Cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

As they led Jesus away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus.  "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Luke 23:26;  Matthew 16:24;  Matthew 11:29-30

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me:

Cannot be my disciple.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve:  Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Missions Work

Pray that Christian missions will be founded on God’s truth, anointed by God’s power and well-supported by God’s people. Pray for the health and well-being of missionaries, for them to boldly proclaim the gospel with clarity and to be a great blessing to those that they serve. Pray for those who labor in specialized ministries to effectively increase the impact of local churches.

Way of the Cross - Station 4

FOURTH STATION - Jesus meets his afflicted mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading:

What can I say for you, to what compare you, O daughter of Jerusalem?  What can I liken to you, that I may comfort you, O virgin daughter of Zion?  For your ruin is vast as the sea; who can heal you?  Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. 

Lamentations 2:13;  Matthew 5:4;  Isaiah 60:20

A sword will pierce your own soul also:

And fill your heart with bitter pain. 

Let us pray.

O God, who willed that in the passion of your Son a sword of grief should pierce the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother:  Mercifully grant that your Church, having shared with her in his passion, may be made worthy to share in the joys of his resurrection; who lives and reigns for ever and ever.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Education and the Safety of Children

Pray that children will hear the gospel and encounter Christ early in life; that God’s fatherly heart will be revealed to kids, especially to those who may have been wounded or disappointed by their parents; for family stability; for excellence in education; for wisdom to be formed in their early years; for safety from perversion and violence. Pray that teachers and mentors will impart Godly wisdom to help form character in their students; for needed tools and proper facilities.

Way of the Cross - Station 3

THIRD STATION - Jesus falls the first time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped; but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.                                    Philippians 2:6-11

Surely he has borne our griefs:

And carried our sorrows.

Let us pray.

O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Small Businesses

Ask God to bless those who base business practices in righteousness. Pray that God will prosper those who pursue their business as mission for God’s Kingdom. Pray for the gospel to spread in the marketplace; for righteous managers and executives; for creative, Godly entrepreneurs.

Way of the Cross - Station 2

SECOND STATION - Jesus takes up his Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading:

So they took Jesus and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic, is called Golgotha.  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.  Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!                               John 19:17;  Isaiah 53:7;  Revelation 5:12

The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all:

For the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for the Disabled and Those With Special Needs

Pray that they will be surrounded with loving friends and family; for steady refreshment of their hearts towards God; for physical stamina and healing; for endurance through chronic pain; for financial provision to cover the cost of therapy and special care; that they will know and display the love of God.

Lenten Prayer Walk - Introduction and Station 1

While the inaugural Lakewood Anglican Prayer Walk may not take place in the way we expected it to, we will still be holding it! Our original plan was to walk through Lakewood, stopping at various businesses and landmarks to participate in a Station of the Cross, as well as pray for a specific need of the city. Our congregation is spread throughout the greater Cleveland area, and while we may not be able to walk together physically, we are still able to walk together in prayer.

There are 14 Stations of the Cross, and 14 days between now and Good Friday. I ask that you pray 1 Station each day, beginning Saturday, March 28. The liturgy of each station only takes a few minutes to read through. After meditating on the station itself, there are also prayer prompts at the end of each station. Each prompt will ask you to contemplate and pray for a specific need in our community.

Weather permitting, I’d encourage you to consider taking a walk as you read and pray through these stations. We are a church of embodiment, and physically participating in the Stations as well as mentally can also be an act of devotion. I’ve found that walking through my neighborhood can reveal opportunities for prayer to me, and connect me to my community during a time of isolation.

I will be posting each Station’s text daily on the Lakewood Anglican blog. The introduction, and first Stations’s text, is below.

I’ll close with these words from Henri Nouwen, whose book “Walk With Jesus: Stations of the Cross” the Lakewood Fellowship has been studying this term. “Anyone who enters into communion with Jesus will receive the Spirit of truth – the Spirit who frees us from the compulsions and obsessions of our contemporary society, who makes us belong to God’s own inner life, and allows us to live in the world with open hearts and attentive minds. In communion with Jesus, we can hear the Spirit’s voice and journey far and wide, whether we are in prison or not. Because the truth – the true relationship, the true belonging – gives us the freedom that the powers of darkness cannot take away…Jesus’ death , instead of being the execution of a death sentence, became the way to the full truth, leading to full freedom.”

I hope that you will join us in this time of prayer and devotion as we prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday, and that even in our isolation we can be a community of hope for our broken world.

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THE WAY OF THE CROSS

 In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  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. 

We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ:

In whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection.

Let us pray.

 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.

FIRST STATION - Jesus is condemned to death

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading: 

From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend.  Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”  So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha.  Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover.  It was about the sixth hour.  He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”  They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!”  Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”  The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”  So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.                                             John 19:12-16

God did not spare his own Son:

But delivered him up for us all.

Let us pray.

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.  Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

Pray for Emergency Services and Systems of Justice

Pray for Godly wisdom and Christ-like integrity; for physical and emotional protection; for courage and blessing for their families. Pray that they will become agents of God’s hand to resist evil and bring an environment in which heaven’s justice can increase.