Good Friday: Intergenerational Litany

Here’s an intergenerational candle litany for Good Friday.  It was written by Elsie Rempel for use in a family context.

Intergenerational Litany for Good Friday

When we hate or are unkind to each other,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us to love each other.

When we want everything for ourselves,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us to share with others.

When we scare or bully others,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us that love is better than fear.

When we are jealous of others,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us contentment.

When we lie,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us honesty.

People’s hatred, greed, selfishness, jealousy,
and dishonesty placed Jesus on the cross.
(extinguish one candle)

For Jesus’ friends
the world seemed like a very dark place.

In the darkness, Jesus said,
“O God, forgive them, for they
don’t know what they are doing.”
(extinguish one candle)

— from Called and Shaped by Jesus: Lent-at-Home 2011 written by Elsie Rempel, and published by Mennonite Church Canada. Posted on the Leader Online website. This is only the first half of the litany. To see the entire thing, click here. 

For more worship resources for Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, click on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.