Seven Words from the Cross

©2007 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #5181665
Scripture References:
Word #1 -- Luke 23:33-34
Word #2 -- Luke 23:39-43
Word #3 -- John 19:26-27
Word #4 -- Matthew 27:45-46
Word #5 -- John 19:28-29
Word #6 -- John 19:30
Word # 7 -- Luke 23:44-46
Theme: Tenebrae, Good Friday
Key: Am/Em
Mood/Tempo: somber

This song was written to be the framework of the Tenebrae/Good Friday service. The mood is pensive and somber. After each of the seven Scripture passages is read, the congregation responds by singing the chorus once, and a soloist (or small group) sings one verse of Seven Words from the Cross.

Between each section, there is time for silent reflection and meditation, and the extinguishing of another candle. As appropriate, it can also be meaningful to supplement the silence with drama, dance, homily or instrumental music.

Seven Words from the Cross .pdf file (sheet music)
Seven Words from the Cross .mid sound file (audio sample)
Seven Words from the Cross .pdf file (bulletin insert)


Seven Words from the Cross

Chorus
In this hour before Your death
Speak Your word with holy breath

Verse 1
Father forgive these vengeful few
For they do not know what they do

Verse 2
Truly I tell you, you will be
Today in paradise with Me

Verse 3
Woman, I say to you and John:
Here is your mother, here is your son

Verse 4
Darkness and gloom and agony;
My God, My God,
My God, why have You forsaken Me?

Verse 5
I am thirsty, yet as a sign,
They offer only bitter wine

Verse 6
It is finished!

Verse 7
Father, I cry in anguish and
Commit My spirit into Your hand

On the Way to the Cross

©2005 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #4556662
Scripture Reference: John 13:1-17; Matthew 26:26-46
Theme: Maundy Thursday, Communion
Key: Bm
Mood/Tempo: pensively, with passion/slow

This Communion song begins with the footwashing scene in the Upper Room on Passover (Maundy Thursday). Worshipers are placed in that setting themselves as the lyrics personalize the experience of having the holy hands of the Lamb of God wash our own feet.

The lyrics and minor key of this song evoke the emotions of Jesus' unwavering march toward the cross: pensive, passionate, steadfast, intentional.

On the Way to the Cross .pdf file (sheet music)
On the Way to the Cross .mid sound file (audio sample)
On the Way to the Cross .pdf file (bulletin insert)

On the Way to the Cross
Verse 1
On the way to the cross
You knelt down and washed our feet.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your holy hands washed our feet.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You served in humility.

Verse 2
On the way to the cross
You gave thanks and broke the bread.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your holy hands broke the bread.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You offered the bread of life.

Verse 3
On the way to the cross
You took wine and blessed the cup.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your holy hands blessed the cup.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You offered the cup of grace.

Verse 4
On the way to the cross
You prayed in Gethsemane.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your hands clenched in agony.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You yielded yourself for us.

Tag
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You yielded yourself for us.