The Seven Last

Words of Christ

A Creative Meditation on the Cross

STUDY GUIDE FOR PERSONAL AND GROUP USE

This booklet is intended to be used with the recording of

The Seven Last

Words of Christ Poetry: Gary Wiens Music: Ruth Fazal.

Also available “FOUNTAIN OF TEARS by Ruth Fazal Sculpture :"Fountain of Tears" by Rick Wienecke. www.castingseeds.com

Published by Tributary Music www.ruthfazal.com (416) 421 3806 Fax (416 ) 421 5998

Copyright 2004 Duplication is prohibited by law. Published by Tributary Music

www.ruthfazal.com (416) 421 3806 Fax (416 ) 421 5998 Copyright 2004 Duplication is prohibited by law.

A view of ‘Fountain of Tears’ by Rick Wienecke. The fountain stands in the city of Arad, Israel. Rick created this fountain in response to hearing ‘The Seven Last Words of Christ’ More about Fountain of Tears– visit www.castingseeds.com

RUTH FAZAL Seven Last Words or Christ and Fountain of Tears are just two of the many recordings by Ruth Fazal. For more information visit Ruth’s website at www.ruthfazal.com

Introduction:   There  is,  in the contemplation of the death and resurrec‐tion  of  Jesus Christ,  a profound  revelation  of  the  love  of God. This disclosure comes to the hearts of those who desire to under‐stand the reality of this pivotal event  in human history. Beyond the mere  facts of  Jesus’ crucifixion, beyond  the basic statements of  faith  that we  repeat  in  rote  fashion during  this season of  the year  there  is a reservoir of beauty, a well‐spring of ecstatic  love that  awaits  the  seeker who will  linger  here with  an  open  and   expectant heart. It  is a place of encounter with the heart of God that is worth the journey, for the revelation of His sacrificial love is precious.  It  is given  to all who seek Him with a whole heart, whose desire is accompanied by a measure of determination.    By means of  this  little devotional guide, you are  invited to engage in a  journey into the heart of God. A way is provided to begin the process of comprehending the love of God, to begin to  gaze upon  the highest  earthly  revelation  of His Glory  –  the cross of Jesus Christ. It is our prayer that along the way, you will be  captured by  the heart  of  Jesus, undone by  the  revelation  of what He endured to win your affections. Questions are provided along  the way  that may be used  in the context of group discus‐sions.   May the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, and may the experiential knowledge of  the passion of  Jesus Christ  captivate your heart, touching you with the power of His extravagant love.  The Poems:   The nine poems that comprise The Seven Last Words of Christ cycle were written during a season of spiritual encounters, revelations of the crucifixion and the events surrounding it. In the winter of 2000‐2001, the author experienced a series of “visions of the mind” through which the meaning and impact of the passion of Christ was revealed to him in new and deeper ways.   Written from the perspective of John the Beloved Apostle standing at the foot of the cross, the poems are deeply personal, 

inviting the contemplative reader to share in the encounter. The scenes are vivid, the mood intense and unrelenting. And yet, in the midst of unimaginable agony, the person of Jesus communi‐cates tender compassion and mercy to those who dare to draw near.  The Pictures:    The photographs included in this guide are of sculptures that make up The Fountain of Tears, a magnificent work of art   created by Rick Wienecke in response to The Seven Last Words of Christ poems. The Fountain of Tears stands  twelve feet high, and sixty feet wide, and currently stands  in the city of Arad, Israel.    Some Hints for Meditation   Musing or meditating on a passage of Scripture, or on a word or phrase in one of the poems simply means to “chew” on the concept. Here are some ways to do that: • Imagine that you are one of the characters in the scene,      

observing the crucifixion with your own eyes. • Engage your mind and emotions in each encounter, paying 

attention to your thoughts and feelings as you consider what is before you.  

• Take a phrase, or a single word, and consider several ways of saying the same thing.  

• Let the Holy Spirit remind you of situations in your own life in which you felt similar emotions. 

• Consider other passages of Scripture that come to mind that communicate similar truths. 

• Again, engage your emotions in this process. Go beyond mere mental exercise, and allow your heart to become        involved. 

• Use “ Fountain of Tears” as the backdrop for  further         meditation of each poem.  May the Lord bless you as you enter into this journey of intimacy at the foot of the cross. 

with Peter hounding hard upon my heels. You were not there. Of course we knew,

now in the morning’s light, that death could never hold the Life, that darkness could not comprehend the Light that shined. The Word made flesh, filled with Father’s grace and truth,

alive again. I’d turned to go, and there You stood,

and took my hand, and called my name, and drew me near. Your beating heart against my cheek released the tears,

as once again I took my place, the one You love, inside Your heart.

And so the morning came, and once again I find myself before Your feet.

Your eyes, alive with fire I’ve never seen, are fixed on me again, and now I know.

I know.

Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 9) • Place yourself in the position of the disciples, and reflect on 

the astonishing emotional journey they endured for those three days.  

• Let your heart touch the emotion of John as he is restored to relationship with the living Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to make this reality live in your heart as well. 

 For group discussion:  Talk about the level of expectation that you have to see Jesus face to face. Pray for one another that the embrace of the risen Christ will fill your hearts with His joy over you.  Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill my heart with understanding of the power of Your res‐urrection. I want to live in the joy of intimacy with You, and come to know the settled reality of full redemption because of what You did for me. Thank You. Amen.  

• Reflect on what it might mean to have a heart that “burns within you” because of the instruction of the Holy Spirit con‐cerning Jesus. Ask the Lord to give you that kind of vibrant response to His life in you. 

 For group discussion: reflect aloud on times when you experi‐enced the dynamic of the Holy Spirit revealing the person of Jesus to your heart.  Poetry Session:               “The Morning”  

The morning came, and once again I find myself before Your feet.

Your eyes, alive with fire I’ve never seen, are fixed on me again, and now I know.

Such raw and ragged terror was our lot through yesterday. We’d watched as soldiers came and pierced Your side,

and watery blood came pouring out; as Joseph came and took Your corpse,

and let Your mother hold You there, aggrieved, for one last time. We wrapped Your form in swaddling cloths,

and as I washed Your ravaged face, the only thing my eyes could see was that last gaze, knowing that as You died, Your eyes saw me.

Our shattered hearts, uncomprehending, broke again

as one by one we filtered through the door of Upper Room. We weren’t prepared for what we saw,

the cup poured out and remnant bread still sat upon the board, and grief afresh assailed our souls.

We wept, and held each other near, and told the stories of Your love that changed our lives.

We prayed together through the nights, the endless nights,

hardly knowing what to say – no words to say. And then the morning came.

And Mary left to bring the fragrant oils to Your side, and came exploding back with news

that wounded hearts could scarcely take. She said You spoke her name, and when You did,

the fire of passioned love erupted fresh from aching core,

and all was right. I took off running, madly racing toward my only hope,

 1. Prologue: Before Your Feet 

 Prayer:  Heavenly Father, please send Your Holy Spirit to open the eyes of my heart, that I might             comprehend Your love in the  sufferings of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Reading: John 18:1‐19:37   Meditation:  • Allow your mind to linger at points in the passage, freeing 

your imagination to “see” the events as they occur.  • Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into new comprehension of 

the love of Jesus for you that drove Him to the cross.  For group discussion:  Imagine yourselves as observers of the procession to the place where Jesus was crucified. Talk about the emotions and thoughts that you might have had as you watch these events unfold.  Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:13‐53:12  Meditation: • Take the time to muse upon the various phrases that catch 

your attention.  • Let the Holy Spirit touch your heart with the truth that Jesus 

bore your sorrows, sickness, and iniquities as He suffered. • Give thanks to the Lord Jesus for His gift of love.  For group discussion: talk about the statement “we considered Him smitten of God and afflicted.” It seemed that God had be‐come the enemy of Jesus, when in fact He was standing in our place. Reflect on what that means to you. 

 Poetry Session:             Before Your Feet”

Before Your feet, O Lamb of God, I take my place. I breathe Your Name

as tears in silent eloquence declare my thanks. Your shattered visage announces healing for this broken image,

Thunders Your passion, avows Your love.

O, ceaseless wonder! Unending cause of joy and gladness

that yet subdues me, stunning my heart in contemplation of Your mercy. You gave yourself in sober joy;

With face like flint you strode the path of crushing love. Bruised beyond all recognition, You wore the thorny crown,

And dripped the blood that washes me – it washes me.

Before Your feet, O Worthy One, I find my rest. Your cloven side my hiding place, the shelt’ring Rock

in which no accusation finds its mark. I come to peace through Your own work that bought my life.

O, matchless grace! Empowering flow of mingling tears and blood

that covers – nay, it carries all my sin and stain away. The ceaseless flood that, once begun, can never end,

now surges through my heart and mind, and cleansing deeply, brings the life for which I’ve longed and prayed,

the life to which You drew me from the start.

Before Your gaze, O Splendid Lord, I find my love. Your eyes bore deep within my secret heart,

and speak my name. And as Your voice declares my true design,

I feel the rush of power inside to know the Truth, to stand as free.

O, wondrous myst’ry!

The ecstasy of being fully known and fully loved, releasing all the fear and pain. And now I dare to trust again,

and take the risky steps of dancing on the mountaintops with You. I take Your hand,

for You have stretched it out for me upon the cross. How could I keep from foll’wing You, Who are my joy, my very Life.

Your precious love has won the day and drawn me near.  

For group discussion:  Talk about the suggestion that some of your most important work is accomplished in times when you feel the weakest.  Prayer: Father, having seen the love of Jesus poured out, and that He could trust You even in death, I want to trust You like that. Send Your Spirit to my heart, and help me to abandon my whole life into Your hands. Amen. 

9. Epilogue: The Morning Prayer: Thank You, God, for the power of resurrection and restoration. Enable my heart to receive all that You have for me in this moment, that I might be settled in the knowledge of Your love and grace. Amen.  Scripture Reading: John 20:1‐18  Meditation: • Give thanks to the Lord and exult in His victory over death 

and the grave! • Let your emotions enter into the joy and amazement of the 

disciples as they began to encounter the risen Christ. • Reflect on the tenderness of Jesus to meet Mary so personally, 

and restore her heart.  For group discussion:  Talk about the emotions that Mary must have felt when the risen Jesus spoke her name and restored her to joy.  Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13‐35 Meditation: • Consider what it must have been like to hear the Lord      

Himself instruct these men from all the Scriptures concerning Himself. 

You cannot die! Not now! You said ‘twas done! My God, what now is this? How is this so?

What has happened now to hopeful sense, to silenced heart that felt Your own repose?

How can this be? Your mother screams.

I catch her as her limbs collapse, as sudden, horrid grief engulfs her soul,

and my protecting arm becomes a useless thing, no power within to cover her,

to hold her heart in guarded place. I fall with her to bloody ground, my eyes affixed to lifeless face

that, staring down, has fixed on me. My God. What now?

Nothing. Silence. The Word is dead.

           Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 8) • As you listen, consider the total confusion that the followers 

of Jesus must have felt – hearing Him speak hopeful words, and yet dying before their eyes. 

• Reflect on the power of God that is greater than death, and able to bring new life even out of the most shattering cir‐cumstances. 

• Meditate on the truth that in His weakest moment, His life at an end, Jesus completed His most important and effective work. 

 

Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 1) • Listen to the poem in its entirety, allowing its full beauty to 

impact your heart and soul.  • Then, consider the text again, more slowly this time, giving 

attention to each phrase as you meditate on His love for you.   

For group discussion:  How does the sacrifice of Jesus impact your heart with regard to your identity and place of significance to God? How does this affect the way you relate to yourself and to others?  Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I lay myself before Your feet this day, and ask that You would send Your Holy Spirit to reveal Your love to my heart. I long to know You more deeply, and to worship You with thanksgiving for what You endured for my sake. Thank You, Lord. 

 2. Father, Forgive Them 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, please enable my heart to more fully experience the reality that my sins are forgiven through the atoning work of Jesus’ death. Amen.              

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:1‐35  Meditation:  • Take the time to allow the intensity and agony of the        

unfolding events to impact you. • Consider the anguish of the faithful women who watched 

the procession in horror and disbelief. • Feel the scorn of those who mocked and tortured the Son of 

God.  For group discussion:  Reflect on times when you have been the object of scorn or mockery. Talk about what it means to you that Jesus received all of that on your behalf.  Scripture Reading: Genesis 50:15‐21  Meditation:  • Consider this prophetic picture of God’s forgiveness in the 

story of Joseph and his brothers.  • Meditate on the reality that as God allowed Joseph to suffer 

that he might bring salvation to his brothers, so Jesus was allowed to suffer so that forgiveness could be granted to us. 

 For group discussion: Joseph’s testimony concerning his brothers’ actions was “you meant this for evil, but God meant it for good.” Talk together about times in your life that need to be reinterpreted according to God’s plans and desires.  Poetry Session:        “Father, Forgive Them”

What have they done?

They’ve taken You, O Jesus, Friend, and ruined You

Whose lovely visage is the crowning joy of all that is, Whose passioned song is light and life to all who walk upon this plane.

Did they not know?

Scripture Reading: Psalm 31:1‐5  Meditation: • Once again, consider how beautifully and completely Jesus 

fulfilled the prophetic imagery of the Old Testament.  • Reflect on what it means 

for you to fully entrust yourself to the Father’s care in faith that He will do all that is needed to bring you fullness of joy. 

 For group discussion:  What would it mean for your life if you felt full confidence that God had your best interests at heart, and that you could fully trust Him in the place of your powerlessness?  Poetry Session:              “Into Your Hands”  

I cannot still my trembling flesh, for shatt’ring cry of finished work now grips my soul,

untenable gladness erupting from places in the heart that moments ago knew only sorrow’s groan.

What is this certain thing that asserts its will even as all external signs and rational thought demand despair?

Something within, some One within, whispers a startling joy, and terror’d heart begins its quieting.

You move again, and now I see the calm repose upon Your face

that pushes through the battered visage of murdered flesh and speaks of settled trust and adamant hope.

Your eyes, no longer dark, are lifted now, and something certain, something true asserts its Presence,

and once again I stand in solid place, my feet upon the Rock. And then You speak, and momentary reverie is shattered once again

as words not bargained for escape Your lips: Father, into Your hands I commend my Spirit.

And having said this, You breathe Your last.

I watch You die. Wait! My heart explodes. This cannot be! My head is spinning.

• Consider the places in your life where you need an infusion of hope, and ask the Holy Spirit to make the finished work of Christ on the cross real to you in your circumstance. 

 For group discussion:  Talk about the things that seem hopeless to you, and consider together what “it is finished” means in your situation.   Prayer: Jesus, thank You for not shrinking back. Thank You for loving me enough to go the whole way, to drink the whole cup of salvation for me. Help me to follow You with all my heart, and to finish the course You have laid out for me. Amen. 

8. Into Your Hands Prayer: Father, open my eyes today to see the truth that I can fully trust You with all my life. Because of Your great love demonstrated in Jesus’ death, I believe that You will keep Your promises to me. Amen.  Scripture Reading: Luke 23:44‐49  Meditation: • Reflect on the tearing of the veil of the Temple. In that mo‐

ment, the Man Christ Jesus entered the very Presence of God, having fully met all the requirements of obedience and holi‐ness on behalf of the human race. Rejoice in the fact that through Jesus, access to the Father has been accomplished. 

• Consider the confidence in the Father’s love that Jesus dem‐onstrates. Even though He had been abandoned, He did not waver in confidence, but trusted the Father even in death. 

 For group discussion: talk about some times when the only op‐tion you had was to commit yourself into the     Father’s hands, trusting that His love would deliver you.  

Did they not see that You were He of Whom the prophets spoke? Did they not hear the words of life,

or see the winsome way you touched the weak? You moved among them,

daily lifting broken people to the Father’s heart, declaring truths that freed th’ enslavened soul to walk in joy.

Did they not see? Did they not know?

What have they done? What have we done?

We did not see, O Jesus, Friend, the sorrow in Your blazing eyes

as words of strife and selfish pride poured from our lips just yesterday. “Which one’s the greatest?” was our cry,

as foll’wing You toward Olive’s Mount we argued for position even as You strode in silence

toward the place of exaltation none of us would dare desire. You asked if we could drink Your cup,

and in our swaggering ignorance we claimed we could. My God! What hubris, what profane conceit!

Did we not see? Did we not know?

What have we done?

What have I done? This darksome day,

O Jesus, Friend, I stand before Your cross in guilty shame and own the stain of human sin,

and echo Judas’ cloying cry – “Am I the one?” I am not innocent,

but stand as one with those who rent the flesh, and tore the beard, and drove the nails,

and mocked the Name. I am the one who put You there, the Lover of my soul.

O, matchless Friend! O, Son of God!

I weep in anguish as I see what foolish eyes can ne’er behold – the King of Glory dies for me.

Did I not see? Did I not know?

What have I done?

With anguished groan You lift Your sacred head

And fix Your gaze on me, before Your feet The tears of ardent love roll down Your face

as sin’s dead weight begins to steal Your breath.

I scarce can look, but something reaching down to me from deep inside Your riven breast

Commands my eyes to gaze on You, to lock with Yours

As mighty words pour forth to me alone, and then to all who dare to hear:

Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.

 Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 2) • Listen to the poem in its entirety, considering the progressive 

awareness of personal guilt and shame that confronts the participant.  

• Reflect on the fact that the death of Jesus was not only brought about by others who did not understand, but by my sin and guilt.  

• Read the poem again, giving time to each section, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal your attitudes and actions that con‐tributed to Jesus’ death.  

• Finally, as you meditate on His incredible statement of for‐giveness, allow the washing and cleansing power of Christ’s mercy to flood over you, and receive His forgiveness afresh. 

 For group discussion:  Reflect on the thought that Jesus’ sufferings were caused by our particular sins, as well as by the sins of those who were  physically killing Him. Talk about the impact this realization has on your own heart.  Prayer:  O Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. I am the guilty one, and You stood in my place that day. Let me know the power of for‐giveness, that I may stand free and clean before You with a thankful heart. Amen. 

I search Your face, but nothing shines, Your countenance now ruined, Your form now shattered.

And now, as though with horror fresh, I watch Your eyes grow wide,

Your face contorting with anguish new as some late loathing strikes Your heart.

I cannot bear the terror here, the crazed confusion as wave upon relentless wave of panic

strikes my heart at evidence of Your dismay. And yet despite my fear, I cannot turn,

but only stand before Your feet to wait in tortured grief for Your demise.

And then, as with uncanny strength,

You draw a breath that seems to capture Death itself, and darkness grim begins to yield before Your dying and forsaken form.

What do You see? Is some new understanding flowing back into Your mind

as darksome fear begins to flee Your stricken face? Does comprehension of a plan once stolen from Your heart

because of pain now loose Your joy again?

What do I see here? Is blackness bowing even as Your life flows out?

What is this thing that I behold? The sun, eclipsed in horrid night, begins to glance at me again

tho’ shadowed still by rugged tree, and in that moment comes a cry that shatters gates on hell itself,

and something older, something stronger than the devil’s plan asserts its will

through tortured voice of God’s own Son: “It is finished!”

My soul is shaken at the sound, for in the midst of crushing loss I feel absurd and foolish things,

that whatever it was that You call done, ‘tis not Your life that’s over now,

regardless of the things our eyes will see. There’s something more, a dawning day that now will come,

despite the things our eyes will see. There’s something more.

A dawning. Something more.

 Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 7) • Reflect on the fact that in the darkest hour, there is an in‐

breaking of hope because of what Jesus accomplished. 

 Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:1‐25 Meditation: • Consider again the wondrous truth that Jesus fully finished 

all that was necessary for our salvation. He did it all! Give Him thanks for His wonderful sacrifice of love. 

• Reflect on the glorious liberty that comes to us, having had the way opened for us to fully know the Father and live in His presence. 

 For group discussion:  Talk together about what it means to “come boldly,” or with full and confident self‐disclosure into the presence of God because of what Jesus did.  Poetry Session:            “It Is Finished”  

I stand in anguished stupor now as here, before Your feet, my heart is filled with coercive fear.

Silent, patent hatred and stark confusion comprise the order of the day, and dismal darkness, descended despite the cloudless day,

increases now. You said that in Your life was Light of men,

but now that life drips at my feet, and now You die, and darkness reigns.

Beneath my arm, the shiv’ring form still stands.

My Mother now – my God, what is this love inside my breast? – I cannot bear her silent grief. Why is her soul cast down,

her heart disquieted in anguished oppression, calling on the One Who hears,

and yet Who seems on this dread day not to care to listen? She softly sobs, waging the violent war of chosen trust

In the Father of the Living Word struck silent here. O lovely Lord, You stir again and lift Your head

to stare upon the world with vacant eyes, no longer seeing, it seems, this wasted hill,

but gazing instead on other realms, unknown to any mind, save Yours alone.

What do You see, O precious Lamb, Whose Name was called the world’s own Light?

3. Paradise Prayer: God of mercy, thank You for the power of  forgiveness, and the reality of restoration.  Send Your Spirit to my heart today, that I might  have grace to understand the riches of Your mercy  and grace. Amen.  Scripture Reading: Luke 23:36‐43  Meditation: • Consider the wondrous reality that the God‐Man, the King of 

kings, endured such mockery without retaliation.  • Meditate on the fact that Jesus, Who could have summoned 

legions of angels to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53), chose to re‐main in the place of suffering for the sake of love. 

 For group discussion:  What would it mean for you to bear in patient silence the diffi‐culties that are placed on you by others?   Scripture Reading: John 17:24‐26  Meditation: • Reflect on Jesus’ statement – “Father, I desire that they also . . . 

may be with me where I am.” What a wondrous thing this is, that Jesus would have a burning desire for weak human be‐ings! 

• Consider Jesus’ prayer request that the Father would em‐power us to love Him even as the Father loves Him.  

For group discussion:  Reflect on the reality that Jesus’ heart is filled with desire that you be present with Him. Describe your feelings of being desired by Him so much that He endured the cross to have you. 

   Poetry session:                “Paradise” 

 See how He hangs there.

Impossible pain screaming from His shredded flesh as splintered spar abrades the ruined body

that bore my head upon its breast mere hours ago. My heart explodes, my mind is rattled,

as though some giant hand has stretched from heaven and shaken the soul,

the very core of what is good and true.

Why do they shout? Why do they mock with vicious words from hate-filled hearts?

What makes them strike Him, Whose hand was never raised except to bless?

I want to stop them, but I am paralyzed and impotent, transfixed in horror,

able only to stand and watch as demon’d hordes swarm and swirl,

hellish eyes glaring at that lovely face, the face of God made flesh,

now spoiled and ploughed by Satan’s rage.

My gaze is drawn away, just for a moment,

as a single voice seems to stand above the crowd, and angry, anguished accusations spew from one

who hangs on neighb’ring tree. “Aren’t you the Christ?

Then show yourself! Do something big!

Come down from there, and take us with you!” But bitterness and scorn comprise th’ aroma of this cry, not faith.

It seems a venting, one last defiant gesture from a life a-wasted,

flung in blatant disregard of the One Whose merest word had set so many free.

My focus shifts once more to Jesus’ eyes.

I watch aghast as He allows the hateful words to pierce His heart, and makes no move to fend them off.

His gaze affixed on robber’s face, His mournful tears flow unrestrained

 For group discussion:  Reflect on the various images in Scripture of the healing river. Talk about how those images impact your heart.  Prayer: Father in heaven, I give thanks with all my heart that Jesus, the Fountainhead, was spent and thirsty on that tree, that I could drink and live. You astonish me with Your mercy. I give You my whole self in thanksgiving. Amen.  

7. It Is Finished Prayer: Lord Jesus, I give You thanks that You finished the work of redemption on my behalf. Prepare my heart to comprehend more fully what You accomplished that day, that I might live in greater love and gratitude. Amen.  Scripture Reading: John 19:30   Meditation: • Consider the range of human 

need that was met in the death of Jesus on the cross. Give thanks that He did not shrink back, but completely finished the work the  

      Father sent Him to do. • Allow the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind any area of bro‐

kenness, sickness, or need in your life, and reflect on the fact that because Jesus finished the work, nothing will separate you from the love of God. 

For group discussion: Talk about what the phrase  It is finished” means to you in your relationship with God. 

as tender words from better days are drawn across my mind. I feel dismay as puzzling joy begins to well inside my breast.

How can this be? I am confused, but something, Someone calls my heart awake

to see the Truth that now pours out from riven side of my Beloved.

The Living Water, You proclaimed, would flow from deep within

the one who dared to drink from You. You spoke of Rock that Moses struck,

and fiery stream that Daniel saw come coursing down from Ancient Throne.

The Stream that gladdened City’s heart, the Jordan that cleansed the leper’s stain,

the River Ezekiel could not cross, the fresh’ning Flow that greens the leaf in midst of drought –

all these were pictures of Your life poured out that men might live.

The stirring pool of Bethesda’s porch, The washing font at Temple’s door –

O precious Friend – the Wine with which You filled the cup. My Lord! It’s You! I fall in wonder, worshipping, before Your feet.

And now, O God,

ev’n as I see the wondrous gift of Mercy’s flow, I feel the aching, tender surge of grateful heart

as I behold Your life poured out for me. My tears flow freely once again as I behold and bless the One from Whom all blessings flow, the Fountainhead, now spent

and thirsty on that tree that I might drink and live.

Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 6) • As you listen, ask the Holy Spirit to enable your whole being 

to connect with the agony of the cross. Allow yourself to feel the horror that must have been felt by all who saw it. 

• Reflect on the poem’s assertion that the flow of Christ’s blood  was the fulfillment of all the “river of life” imagery of the Scriptures. 

• Give thanks that the blood of Jesus is        sufficient for your redemption and healing. 

as He extends embracing arm, one held in place – it surely seems –

by something more than just a Roman nail.

The clangorous sound of angry cry awakens him who hangs on opposite side.

The movement of his head attracts my gaze as through his pain he forms his thoughts.

He speaks with eerie calm, as though a grace has touched his lips:

“Do you not fear the One to Whom you speak? We are the dead; He alone deserves to live.

We stole and ran, grasping to ourselves the stuff we hoped would give us life.

He clung to nothing, gave His very self,

poured out in joyful sacrifice to all who asked. “O Lord, remember me,” he pleads,

“that in Your Kingdom my name may be declared.” The eyes of Jesus shift toward him,

and glance at me along the way. My God! He’s smiling,

tho’ the tortured grimace would not be understood by one who knew Him less than I.

And in that glance my eyes are graced to see beyond the present day, And I behold with staggered heart a throng,

a host of people now aligned behind this thief, whose last-ditch plea has flung the Door of Heaven wide,

and called them all to enter in, the no-hope Bride who at the last did find her Way.

I fall in worship as the seemingly conquered, conquering King

smiles now through horrid pain. His longing heart,

about to burst with cleansing stream, Rejoices now that this one heart has heard His call,

agreeing with the Father’s voice. With sorrow’d joy a-flowing down,

with groaning words and heaving sighs, He breathes response that sets the captives free:

Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.

 Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 3) • Listen to the poem, allowing your imagination to perceive 

the chaos and horror surrounding the crucifixion scene. • Consider the stunning reality that Jesus endured all this 

pain and terror, and yet held His heart open in mercy to all those around Him. 

• Consider Jesus’ heart toward the thief as revealed in the line “. . . as He extends embracing arm, one held in place – it surely seems – by something more than just a  

      Roman nail.” • Reflect on the reality that this robber was one whom Jesus 

desired to be with Him. In the midst of agony, Jesus recog‐nized the Father’s answer to His own prayer. 

 For group discussion:  How does the fact that Jesus opens His heart to undeserving people who call upon Him at the last minute affect your emo‐tions? Share stories of people you know that came to Him in the final moments of their lives.  Prayer: Holy Spirit, would you reveal to my heart the truth that the heart of Jesus is never closed to those who seek Him. Help me to see myself and others as Jesus sees, to know and comprehend His great love. Amen. 

 

• Reflect on how the pathway laid out for Jesus from all eternity was fully embraced by Him, leaving nothing unfulfilled in the process of our re‐demption.  For group discussion:  How does the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies affect your confidence that God’s plan is specifi‐cally effective for you?  Poetry Session:  “I Thirst” 

 How long, O Lord, did howling dark encrust and cloak Your brow,

and wasting murk hold sway in empty eyes? The moment seemed eternal here,

from where I stand, before Your feet.

No part of me could even begin to grasp what happened here, to comprehend the depth of wretched anguish You endured,

the miry pit to which the hand of God abandoned You. Lord Jesus Christ, I cannot see, I cannot tell

the merest part of what this day on earth has wrought. I only know the silent scream inside my heart,

the raging grief that grips me now at what my race has done.

I drop my gaze as tears fall fresh upon the ground already wet with sorrow’s pain. Have mercy, O my God, on me.

But now, I hear Your injured groan

as once again You stir in grim attempt to raise Your head.

The rasping, grating sound that comes from You

is barely heard, though silence shrouds this holy hill:

“I thirst” The craving words provoke response,

and someone offers You the sour wine. And as You wet Your lips on hyssop’s branch,

an aching truth begins to dawn within my heart,

For group discussion:  Talk about what it means to you that the Son of God fully un‐derstands what it means to be left in the lurch, and how His faithfulness in that place can comfort you in your situation.  Prayer: O God, help my heart to comprehend what You did for me in the death of Jesus. Help me to give Him all of my heart and being in thankful‐ness for His sacrifice. Amen. 

6. I Thirst 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to hold my heart open as I consider Your suffering for me. I long to know You more deeply in this place. Send Your Spirit to assist me now, for Your own sake. Amen.  Scripture Reading: John 19:28‐29   Meditation: • Consider the physical agony that Jesus must have experi‐

enced – dehydration from the wounds He suffered as a re‐sult of the beatings, scourging, and crucifixion. 

• Meditate on the irony that the One who is the Fountain of Life should die thirsting in such a way. 

• Reflect on the stark imagery that as the vital fluids flowed from the body of Jesus, the River of Life was flowing to all who require it. 

For group discussion: Reflect together on times when your heart was encouraged by knowing that someone else truly     understood your circumstance. Talk about how their suffering was a fountain of life to you. Scripture Reading: Psalm 22:15; 69:21 Meditation: • Give thanks for the precise fulfillment of the prophecies of 

Scripture, given so that we might see the grace of God ful‐filled in Christ. 

        

4. Behold Your Mother Prayer: Holy Spirit, I invite your presence now to give light to my eyes, to open my heart to understand the love of Christ more deeply. Show me the heart of Jesus for those who stand in the place of  intercession.  Scripture Reading: John 19:25‐27  Meditation: • Consider the idea that John and Mary represent the oversight 

and care of His beloved people, especially those who pray to bring forth the purposes of God. 

• Reflect on the place of intimate partnership that Jesus gives to John, to stand in His own place of responsibility and compas‐sion for the Church. 

• Meditate on the agony of Mary’s heart as she witnessed the suffering and death of her Son, the Word she brought forth through her intercession. 

 For group discussion: Consider how Mary bore and gave birth to the Word made flesh. How does the Holy Spirit bring His Word into being through us today? 

 Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26‐38; 2:25‐35 

Meditation: • Reflect on the truth of how God speaks a word into the heart 

of a person, that they might bear it, and “give birth” to it in the fullness of time.

• Consider things the Lord has spoken to you, and the some‐times difficult journey of seeing those things come to fullness. 

 For group discussion:  What are some things that God has spoken to you that have not yet come to pass? Reflect on how Mary’s life as Jesus’ mother could be encouraging for you in your process.  Poetry session:         “Behold Your Mother”  

Your shattered form has held my eyes in gaping stare, as standing here I wait.

There’s nothing else to do or say, no options left except to look upon Your ravaged frame.

The weight of glory forces me to look away, and yet – it can’t be helped! – I must again return my gaze

to see the shining forth of ancient Word, made flesh so this eternal day could bring forth grace.

The movement by my side reminds me

that another heart is bleeding out this day. The Word she pondered in a heart so deep and still

when she herself was but a child now hangs before her eyes in such a state she ne’er conceived.

She shudders at the shock of seeing horror taking form in such a personal, familiar way.

And so I draw her near, this frail pillar,

bearing weight beyond proportion as the Mother of the Son of God.

I feel the gripping power of His gaze

and suddenly know He has regarded me from endless ages,

choosing me, considering my life for just a day as this.

Can it be so? I know not how.

But as my eyes are fixed again on piercing stare from Burning Heart,

I cannot bear to see what now is so, for until now,

e’en tho’ the pain of slivered bar weighed full upon His slitted back, could still be seen Your gracious hand

upholding and sustaining Him from deep within. But now it is not so! I scarce can think,

for in His eyes the Light grows dim, and terror takes the place of peace,

as though a damned darkness wrests His soul from Your own hand. It cannot be! This is not so!

Surely I dream a tortured dream and soon will wake to find my Lord beside my bed

to calm the fear and speak the Word of peace and hope. But now this cursed trance is shattered by an anguished sound

that seems to come from on that tree, And deep within I know the ghastly truth that, far from dream,

this day is all too real. A shaking grips my feeble frame,

as though the earth itself is being crushed by God’s own wrath. An energy rips through His shell,

arising not from gracious strength, but fear itself, As wounded, sacred head is wrenched around from side to side,

and flesh convulses. With pow’r not borne of joy, I see His eyes distend,

and lips prepare to loose a scream transcending human pain, one reaching through the span of time and space

Encapsulating every anguished cry that has e’er escaped from desolate heart:

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? My God, what have You done?

Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 5) • Once again, allow your mind’s eye to “see” the horror of the 

scene, and let your emotions  feel the terror of encroaching evil. 

• Meditate on the reality that Jesus, as a man  with no help from His Father in heaven or from His friends on earth, was unwavering in His trust of the Father, even though He  

      could not find Him in the moment.  • Give thanks that because of this event, Jesus personally 

knows and understands the anguish of every abandoned and desolate child. He will have mercy on the afflicted! 

• Give thanks for the way God has ordained and overseen the fulfillment of Scripture. 

For group discussion:  Talk about times when you have felt abandoned and without help. What things do you think the Holy Spirit was working in you at the time?  Poetry session:                    “Forsaken” 

The dark, the interminable day plods on,

imperceptibly passing before my eyes in ceaseless horror. I cannot look away,

though all my mind and soul recoils at what I see: This nightmarish spectre,

this abomination that once I called my dearest Friend. O Jesus Christ,

How can it be that thoughts like these course through my mind, for it is You, the One Who is the same and never changes,

Who now is bound to torturous tree.

What horrid alteration does eye behold, that dares to glance upon that frame?

For now there comes a darkening thing, a presence grim,

that steals upon Your bruised face, and I am loathe to take it in.

My eyes avert, deflected now by hell’s own power

as something old and harsh, a wasting darkness devoid of light

begins to crawl o’er visage torn.

What is this thing? I’ve known You well these three short years,

and never have I seen despair like this – such anguish,

such eclipse in eyes that ever shone with God’s own Light. I sense a terror rising in my soul as murky wave assaults Your form.

How can this be? From where may come this daring, hellish cloud

that moves to twist the face I love – O tender Lord! - into a mask of craven fear.

O Mighty God! Why strike You now this crushing blow upon the One Who is Your Son?

His ravaged lips begin to speak, and something like the hand of God invades my chest to grip my heart

and lift me up to other realms, to place of privilege the depth of which I do not nearly comprehend.

“Woman, behold your son. And John, behold your mother”

Oh, my God,, what is this explosion in my breast, his searing and rending verity distending the limits of my soul,

shattering the boundaries of my affections, inserting, with no regard for human choice or natural fondness, this one into my heart whose faith

exceeds by far that of the saints of old.

Who is she? Who am I? What have You done? And once again my eyes are opened, my being taken into His, and I see with eyes as though mine own These two, before His feet, once again saying ‘yes’ to words they cannot compre-hend.

And in her place I see the train of those who hear Your Word and stand in dazzling darkness, contemplating,

nurturing the seed of God implanted deep within the womb of faith. She is Eve, and Sarah, and Hannah all brought to fullness, the exemplar for all those yet to come who gaze on You,

receiving kisses from Your mouth, and bringing forth the Word made flesh,

that it might walk again the streets of earth, Your Kingdom come.

And here You place me, O my Lord, a watchman for the Marys,

one to carry them in my heart, a friend and father, advocate protector,

to see with Your own eyes their virgin hearts, and guard them well.

I feel within the fierce Defender, the jealous Lover

Who’ll not allow His Glory, His Bride to be dissuaded from His love,

His ardent love. And I say

Yes, I will behold Her, and hear Your Word

and speak Your truth, and call Her forth to stand in grace,

in ever-growing knowledge of the love that burns with passion undiluted

in the heart of Christ, The Word,

the Son, the Bridegroom King.

Meditation: ( may also use  Fountain of Tears. Track 4) • As you listen to the poem, consider Jesus’ tenderness toward 

His mother, who bore unimaginable grief as she watched His suffering. 

• Meditate on the role that Jesus gives to John as the one who will guard her and cover her in His absence. 

• Let the Holy Spirit strengthen your heart to bear patiently the process of bringing forth the things He has promised you. 

• Ask the Lord to show you others that you can cover in prayer as they await the fulfillment of promise. 

 For group discussion:  Consider others that are bearing the weight of a promise yet  unfulfilled. How can you cover them as John was asked to cover Mary?  Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the love You have toward those who carry Your promises. Thank You for the provision of care and covering You have made, and help us to see those You love as You see them. Amen. 

 

 

5. Forsaken  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open my heart today to the  reality of the sufferings of Jesus as He was abandoned to death for my sake. Show  me Your heart, and help me to comprehend what You have done for me.  Scripture Reading: Mark 15:33‐36  Meditation: • Allow your heart to feel the agony of abandonment,       especially in view of the constant and profound intimacy 

with the Father that Jesus lived in through His entire life. • Consider the necessity of this abandonment – Jesus had to 

choose to trust the Father’s love in the face of pure evil, with no help from heaven. 

• Meditate on the role of the Holy Spirit to hide the Father’s face, in order to  assist Jesus in His task of intercession. 

 For group discussion: Reflect together on the necessity of a man under pressure, with no help from heaven, being obedient to the Father in order to bring salvation.  Scripture Reading: Psalm 22:1‐21 Meditation: • Reflect on the historic progression of this Psalm –                  

an individual, the writer, cries out in agony for deliverance, and that cry becomes the national cry of the people of Israel. Jesus then fulfills that agony, giving full expression to the          desolation of abandonment.