Morning Prayer for Good Friday – John 19:16–18
Introduction
Good Friday morning arrives heavy with silence. The noise of the world seems to pause as we remember the day when Christ was lifted upon the cross. John writes, “Then they handed him over to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull. There they crucified him.” Morning prayer on this day is not hurried. It is quiet, steady, and full of awe for the love that did not turn away.
This prayer is for anyone standing at the foot of the cross in faith or uncertainty. Good Friday reminds us that God’s love enters the deepest darkness to bring light, and that even here, in sorrow, grace abounds.
Scripture
“Then they handed him over to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him.”
— John 19:16–18 (NRSV)
Reflection
Good Friday invites us to look at love without disguise. The cross stands as a sign of suffering and mercy intertwined. It tells us that there is no distance God will not cross to redeem what He loves. On this morning, our prayers do not rush to Easter—they rest in the reality of the cross and in the hope that is hidden there.
Morning prayer today may be fewer words and more silence. It may be simply a deep breath, a quiet confession, or a whispered “thank you.” The cross teaches us that God’s power is not loud, but steadfast. It holds us even when we do not understand.
Take time this morning to stand still in that love. Let it reach you again.
A Morning Prayer for Good Friday
Holy God, I stand before the cross this morning in gratitude and awe. {pause}
Thank you for the love that endured suffering for my sake. {pause}
Help me to carry your grace into the world with humility. {pause}
Teach me to trust the mystery of your mercy even in the dark. {pause}
May this day draw me closer to the heart of Christ. Amen. {pause}
A Prayer for Kids and Grandkids
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so much. {pause}
I am sorry for the times I do wrong. {pause}
Help me to remember your love on the cross. {pause}
Thank you for forgiving and holding us always. Amen. {pause}
