Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All: By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
A reading from John 19:16-17: Pilate said, “I am to crucify your king?” The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.” Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified. They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha).
Let us pray: Forgive us Lord, when we seek the power and influence of people rather than turning to you in humility and loving service. Help us always to seek justice for those wrongly accused and compassion for victims of violence. May we bear our crosses with faith and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen
(May be sung or said) Were you there when Jesus bore the cross? Were you there when Jesus bore the cross? Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when Jesus bore the cross?
