Holy Saturday Prayers

John 19:38-42

38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

CALL TO WORSHIP Our Lord has died. The tomb is sealed. We gather today to mourn, to remember, to grieve the thought of a world without Christ. 


 PRAYER OF CONFESSION We have kept our faith in secret. We have distanced ourselves from your flock. For all the times we have denied you, Lord: Forgive us, we pray. We have broken our promises of faithful service. We have preferred confident lies to uncertain silence. For all the times we have betrayed you, Lord: Forgive us, we pray. We have averted our eyes from your suffering. We have chosen not to see your brothers and sisters in need. For all the times we have turned away: Forgive us, we pray. Hear our cries, O Lord. Forgive us! Forgive us! Forgive us! (Silent Confession) 

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS Surely Jesus Christ has borne our sin. By his wounds we are healed.

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