Saying GoodBye to Jesus, A Good Friday Litany

SAYING GOODBYE TO JESUS
 
P:  Saying goodbye is hard.
C:  We would rather not do it.
P:  Death is hard.
C:  We wish it did not have to happen.
P:  Knowing we will lose someone is terrible.
C:  Know that we grieve together is helpful.
 
P:  One of the best ways to say goodbye to someone is to honor their life by telling stories.  Sometimes, we get to do that while they are still alive, and other times we have to finish conversations with people as best as we can after they are gone.  Tonight, we know that Jesus is going to die.  Tonight, we have the opportunity to say goodbye well. 
 
I would like to invite you to quietly meditate on the ways you would finish these sentences:
 
Jesus, while you were alive, I loved the time when you . . . . . . . .
[You are invited to consider one of your favorite Bible stories about Jesus.]
 
Jesus, I did not like the time that you . . . . . .
            [You are invited to consider something Jesus said or did that you did not like.]
 
Jesus, I am confused about the time that you said . . . .
            [You are invited to consider something Jesus said you are confused about.]
 
Jesus, I feel this way about your death . . . . .
 
Jesus, I find hope because . . . . . .
 
Jesus, your impact on my life now has been . . . . . .
 
P:  Saying goodbye is hard.
C:  But it helps to do it together.
P:  Jesus, we will miss you.
C:  But we will see you again in three days.
P:  Goodbye Jesus.
C:  Goodbye Jesus.  ​