Kyrie Eleison: Lord, Have Mercy

Solemn Reproaches of the Cross

A meditation and prayer for Good Friday

O my people, O my church, What have I done to you,

or in what way have I offended you? Answer me.

I led you forth from the land of Egypt

and delivered you by the waters of baptism,

but you have prepared a cross for your Savior.

Lord, have mercy on us.

I led you through the desert for forty years, and fed you with manna:

I brought you through tribulation and temptation,

and gave you my body, the bread of heaven,

but you have prepared a cross for your Savior.

Lord, have mercy.

What more could I have done for you that I have not done?

I planted you, my chosen and fairest vineyard,

I made you the branches of my vine:

but when I was thirsty, you gave me vinegar to drink

and pierced with a spear the side of your Savior,

and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.

O Lord, forgive us our sin.

I went before you in a pillar of cloud,

and you have led me to the judgment hall of Pilate.

I scourged your enemies and brought you to a land of freedom,

but you have scourged, mocked, and beaten me.

I gave you the water of salvation from the rock,

but you have given me gall and left me to thirst,

and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord.

I gave you a royal scepter, and bestowed the keys to the kingdom,

but you have given me a crown of thorns.

I raised you on high with great power,

but you have prepared a cross for your Savior.

Lord, have mercy.

I sent the Spirit of Truth to guide you,

and you close your hearts to the Counselor.

I pray that all may be one in the Father and me,

but you continue to quarrel and divide.

I call you to go and bring forth fruit,

but you cast lots for my clothing,

and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.

Lord, forgive us our sins.

I came to you as the least of your brothers and sisters;

I was hungry and you gave me no food,

I was thristy and you gave me no drink,

I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,

naked and you did not clothe me,

sick and in prison and you did not visit me,

and you have prepared a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, God of love, have mercy upon us.