Good Friday Walk in Prayer and Reflection

Invitation

From 9am – 3pm, Jesus hung on the cross. Come walk the church grounds in solitude during these hours. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet as you will be walking across uneven surfaces and into the path that can be very wet in spring. If you encounter others be mindful to stay separated by more than 10’.

Be in a time of prayer and reflection with the following devotions…

Begin in the Garden - "Jesus Prays Alone" — Luke 22:39-44

Begin in one of the gardens that surround the physical church building. Remember that Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and his disciples cannot stay awake with him. Jesus prays alone as he struggles with what lies ahead. He prays that God’s will be done. He is betrayed by a kiss.

Lift any prayers that are on your heart to God as you remember that Jesus prays with us.

Walk East – “Jesus carries his cross”— John 19:17-18 & Luke 23:26

Walk along Center Ridge road going East (away from Glenmore and toward Dover Center Rd), remember that after his trial, Jesus’ suffering continued as a crown of thorns was placed on his head, he was mocked and had to carry his cross through the streets as part of the public humiliation and scorn of Christ. As Jesus stumbles, Simon of Cyrene is enlisted to carry Jesus’ cross.

Be mindful of what it was like to walk a public street scorned by many as you carry a heavy burden. Lift in prayer all those that suffer injustices and ask how Jesus may be calling you to walk beside those that suffer and to help.

Cross the lawn – “Jesus speaks words of comfort & mercy from the cross”

Turn left before the white barn and walk across the grass remembering the words that Jesus spoke from the cross to encourage others.

“Jesus Cares for his Mother” — John 19:26-27
“Mother, here is your son.” To John the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
“Criminals Speak to Jesus” — Luke 23:39-43
“Today you will be with me in paradise”

Pray about how Jesus’ words through scripture have comforted you. Consider how you use your words to give life & mercy, sharing your faith in God to encourage & care for others. Confess any places of resistance.

Cross the parking lot toward the wooded path – “Jesus intercedes” — Luke 23:34

“Father, forgive them: for they do not know what they are doing.”

Let the hard surface of the lot remind you of the hardened hearts of those that scorned Jesus. Remember Jesus’ powerful plea for forgiveness as he suffers and keeps praying saying, “Father, forgive them as they do not know what they are doing”.

Pray about how Jesus’ words of forgiveness on the cross impact your life. Where do you see yourself in this part of the story? Where do you need forgiveness and need Jesus’ help to lift the burden? What are you struggling to forgive? Lift those places up to Jesus.

Enter the wooded path bearing left, Stopping at Cross at the entrance – “Jesus Alone”

Jesus prayed the words from Psalm 22:1 to give words to the pain, suffering and loneliness he felt at that moment on the cross.

Lift in prayer your desire to walk closely with Jesus, to feel God’s presence in your life. Offer to God times when you have felt forsaken and ask for new eyes to see how God was present.

Walk on to the cross and benches – Jesus prays his last - Luke 23:46

Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.

The words of this final prayer are from Psalm 31:5a and is one Jesus likely learned to pray at bedtime as a child. In this death, Jesus gives himself to God completely, body and spirit. As you leave the path, consider the gift of life Jesus gives you in his teachings and the offering of himself as he lays his life down for you. Pray for new acceptance of these gifts, for strengthened trust in all that God offers and in thanksgiving for Jesus our Savior.

May God Bless Your Walk of Solitude & the Meditation of Your Heart

Inspiration for this Good Friday walk was adapted from the following sources: