Read this prayer out loud:

Lord, before our remembrances tonight we remember first that it was our lostness that led You to the cross. We would confess that often our souls are not quieted, that we often hold dear, things that are not of You; that we walk paths that are far from Your heart. Even today we have gone elsewhere for life even as You stand freely offering fullness of life. So, we agree with You that we have been inattentive to the cross and know that outside of Your sacrifice for us we would be left far off. So rid us of ourselves and lead us today once again to the cross.

Amen.

Turn the lights down or off and then read Romans 5:6–8:

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, 

Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:6–8

Read aloud:

So now, let's step into the remainder of this day

having found in the cross

a sure ground for faith,

a firm support for hope,

and assurance of God's steadfast love and forgiveness.

May the blessing of God be upon us, now and forevermore.
Amen.