Notes on the Notes – Good Friday 2021

Good Friday

“We Remember”

The opening anthem by Joal Raney (2011) draws us into the Good Friday story by retelling some of the events of Jesus’ ministry and leading us to the phrase “we remember Calvary.”  It incorporates the traditional hymn “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”  by Isaac Watts.   Watts was deeply disappointed with the hymns of his day, which failed to inspire his parishioners to genuine worship and holy living. His dissatisfaction led him to compose more than six hundred hymns, all designed to call his congregation to a deeper knowledge and worship of God. The hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”  was written in 1707 for use in a Communion service.

“As we gather here, we remember how you turned the water into wine;
How you fed the hungry crowd with five loaves of bread,
How you healed the sick and the blind.
As we gather here, we remember how you gave your life on the tree.
We remember, Lord, you sacrifice, we remember Calvary.

As we gather here, we remember how you freely gave to those in need,
How you shared your Father’s love, his undying care,
With each word, each thought, every deed.
As we gather here, we remember how you gave your life on the tree.
We remember, Lord, your sacrifice, we remember Calvary.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain, I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

We remember, Lord, your sacrifice,
We remember Calvary.”

“Kyrie Eleison” (VU #946)

“Kyrie eleison,
Kyrie eleison,
Kyrie eleison.”

This setting of the Kyrie is from the Russian Orthodox Liturgy.  The words “Kyrie eleison” are Greek for the phrase “Lord, have mercy.”

“Jesus, Remember Me” (VU #148)

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

The words for our closing prayer response are from Luke 23:42.  The music was written by Jacques Berthier in 1978.