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

Your Healing Touch

©2008 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #5149504
Scripture Reference: Psalm 32:1-7
Theme: confession, forgiveness, healing
Key: C
Mood/Tempo: slow, penitent; then, faster, joyful

This song of confession is written with the following format in mind: Verse 1 and Verse 2 are sung congregationally, slowly and penitently. Then, while the instruments alone play the verse again (as necessary), the congregation reads the confession of the day and the pastor speaks the words of assurance of forgiveness. After the words of assurance, the tempo of the song changes (measure 12) and the congregation comes in joyfully on the Chorus, repeats the Chorus, and ends with the Tag.

Your Healing Touch can also be used effectively at a service for healing.

Your Healing Touch .pdf file (sheet music)
Your Healing Touch .mid sound file (audio sample)
Your Healing Touch .pdf file (bulletin insert)

Your Healing Touch

Verse 1
Lord I come in my weakness
Needing a touch from You Jesus
And I bring You my sorrow
Laying my sin before You

Verse 2
Lord I cry in the darkness
Needing a touch from You Jesus
And I ask Your forgiveness
Laying my sin before You
Laying my sin before You

Chorus
I bring You weakness
You give me strength
I bring You sorrow
You give me joy
I bring You darkness
You give me light
You give forgiveness
Your healing touch

(repeat Chorus)

Tag
You give forgiveness
Your healing touch
Thank You Jesus
For Your healing touch

Wash Me, Lord

©2007 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #5055351
Scripture References: Psalm 1:3, 51:1-2; Isaiah 1:18, 64:6; Revelation 22:1-2
Theme: Confession
Key: B flat
Mood/Tempo: contemplative, prayerful

As a song of confession, the lyrics are based on David’s heartfelt remorse and the Lord’s abundant mercy, as recorded in Psalm 51. The imagery of water is used not only to convey the means of cleansing, but also to depict the goodness of living beside the river of the water of life.

Wash Me, Lord .pdf file (sheet music)
Wash Me, Lord .mid sound file (audio sample)
Wash Me, Lord .pdf file (bulletin insert)

Wash Me, Lord
Wash me, Lord
In the flood of Your forgiveness
Change my rags
To garments white as wool
Let me live
By the river of Your goodness
And by Your mercy
Cleanse my soul
(repeat)
By Your mercy cleanse my soul

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.