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.
The origins of Good Friday Prayer
The Good Friday Prayer is a central part of the Catholic liturgy on Good Friday, the day when Christians commemorate Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death.
The prayer is known by several names, including the Solemn Intercessions, the Universal Prayer, and the Prayer of the Faithful.
The Good Friday Prayer consists of a series of petitions that are addressed to God on behalf of the Church and the world.
The origins of the Good Friday Prayer can be traced back to early Christian liturgical practices, which included special prayers and readings on Good Friday.
Over time, these prayers and readings developed into the solemn liturgy that is now observed in Catholic churches around the world on Good Friday.
The Good Friday Prayer has been revised several times over the centuries, with the most recent revision occurring in 1970 after the Second Vatican Council.
Today, the Good Friday Prayer includes petitions for the Holy Church, the clergy and laity, those preparing for baptism, those in need of redemption, and the entire human family.
Overall, the Good Friday Prayer is a powerful expression of the Catholic Church’s faith and its commitment to prayer and intercession for the needs of the world.