A Prayer of Reflection and Reverence on Good Friday
Written by: Marianne White
“ When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘ It is finished, and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” - John 19:30
Good Friday is a day for deep reflection, and as we remember Jesus' sacrifice, this verse invites us to consider the weight of what being finished means for our lives. It means that our sins are forgiven, and we are no longer bound by guilt, shame, or condemnation. Jesus has conquered death and taken on our burdens so that we might live in freedom and grace. There is nothing we can add to His finished work, our role is simply to receive His gift with gratitude and faith.
On this Good Friday, may we approach the cross with reverence, allowing the words” It is finished” to sink into our hearts. Jesus' final act was a gift of perfect love, an invitation to live in the light of His sacrifice and resurrection. As we reflect, may we find comfort in knowing that Jesus bore our burdens, and through Him, we are redeemed. Let “ It is finished” be a source of peace, hope, and purpose, reminding us of God’s unfailing love and calling us to live lives that honor the gift he has given us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today, on this solemn Good Friday, we come before you with humble and reverent hearts. We remember the sacrifice of Jesus, Your beloved Son, who willingly endured suffering and death on the cross so that we might have life. We reflect on His journey to Calvary, and we feel the weight of what it means that He took on our sin, our shame, and our burdens. We bow before you in awe and gratitude, recognizing the depth of your love for us a love that was willing to give all.
Lord, on this good friday, we feel the sadness of this moment in history, but we also feel an overwhelming gratitude. For in the midst of darkness, You brought light, in the midst of death, you gave the promise of life. We cannot comprehend such love, a love that looked upon us with mercy and compassion, even as we were lost in sin. We thank you for sending your son, for showing us what true love looks like, and for offering us salvation through His sacrifice.
Lord, let us not rush through this day without truly understanding the significance of the cross. Help us to sit with the weight of what it means, to let the sorrow and the hope of Good Friday transform our hearts. May this reflection bring us closer to you, giving us a deeper awareness of your grace and a stronger desire to live in a way that honors Christ’s sacrifice.
We also lift up those who do not yet know the love and hope of Jesus. We pray that through the power of the cross, they may come to understand the depth of your love and the gift of redemption you have given us.
We also lift up those who do not yet know the love and hope of Jesus. We pray that through the power of the cross, they may come to understand the depth of your love and the gift of salvation. Give us the courage to share this message of hope with those who are lost, that they may find new life in you.
Today, as we reflect on the cross, we ask that you give us hearts of compassion. Just as Jesus prayed for those who persecuted Him, help us to pray for those who hurt us. Teach us to love as He loved, to forgive as He forgave, and to serve others selflessly. Let the example of Jesus' life and death inspire us to live as true disciples, bearing His light in a world that so desperately needs it.
Finally, father, we thank you for the hope that Good Friday leads to Easter morning. We know that the story does not end at the cross but continues with the promise of resurrection and new life. Fill us with this hope, Lord, and prepare our hearts to receive the joy of Easter. May this Good Friday be a turning point in our faith, renewing our commitment to follow Jesus with reverence, gratitude, and love.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
