Five for Good Friday

Thanks to RevHRod for this thoughtful Good Friday five.

Our prayer concerns are as varied as we are this day. For whom would you like us to pray?
Please pray for light and peace for all who are struggling and aching in their marriages, and also for Paula, Jill, Ron, and others who are battling cancer. And I would appreciate prayers for Amie, who continues to have seriously elevated liver enzymes, with no firm diagnosis despite numerous tests.

Are there things you have done or will do today to help the young ones understand this important day in our lives?
I hope that children and teens will listen and take to heart the story of Jesus' suffering and death for us, as it is presented in our Tenebrae service tonight.

Music plays an important part in sharing the story of this day. Is there a hymn or piece of music that you have found particularly meaningful to your celebrations of Good Friday?
Regarding hymns, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" have both been deeply meaningful to me. On Tuesday night we were privileged to attend a beautiful and moving performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion, music that gives much glory to God and has enriched this Holy Week for me.

As you hear the Passion narrative, is there a character that you particularly resonate with?
Peter, who professed endless devotion to Jesus then denied Jesus when he felt threatened--the same Peter whom Jesus lovingly restored to Himself and even entrusted with ministry.

Where have you seen the gracious God of love at work lately?
I have a cousin who has struggled with cocaine addiction for many years. During her most recent stay in rehab, she met and fell in love with a young man who was a fellow patient--much to both families' dismay. Despite relapses and setbacks, they have stayed together and are now clean and sober together, recently married in her home church, and have a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Anna Leigh. Here she is!