O Jesus, Who by reason of Thy burning love for us hast willed to be crucified and to shed Thy Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us here gathered together in remembrance of Thy most sorrowful Passion and Death, fully trusting in Thy mercy; cleanse us from sin by Thy grace, sanctify our toil, give unto us and unto all those who are dear to us our daily bread, sweeten our sufferings, bless our families, and to the nations so sorely afflicted, grant Thy peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Thy commandments we may come at last to the glory of Heaven. Amen.
If you lie empty upon the ground,
do not be frightened when
a strong hand cups your hand around
and you are raised aloft.
Look up and stand and see
where earth and heaven join
the very hand of he
who gives life lifts you up
As he is lifted high
On a cross that looks too frail
to bear up to the sky
the whole world's cares
And yet the cross holds strong
against the tumbling night,
where beaten, naked, bleeding long
the giver gives his life.
Beacon in the midnight
candle in the storm
hope for those without sight,
anchor, peace, home.