About this prayer
Siete Palabras contemplates seven sayings of Jesus from the cross, gathered from the Gospels. It is especially associated with Good Friday in the Philippines. This guide prints complete cited verses from the public-domain Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision, alongside clearly separated reflection prompts. It is a devotional guide, not a replacement for the Church’s Good Friday liturgy.
Learn more: Prayer background & source ↗
Prayer text
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A prayer leader proclaims each complete passage. Everyone listens, reflects quietly, and joins the traditional responses. Reflections are site-authored prompts, separate from Scripture.
1. Forgiveness · Luke 23:34
And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. But they, dividing his garments, cast lots.
Whom do we need to forgive, and where must we take responsibility for harm?
Pause for silent prayer.
Let us continue our prayer together.
2. The promise of paradise · Luke 23:43
And Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise.
Bring to Christ those who feel beyond hope and those nearing death.
Pause for silent prayer.
Let us continue our prayer together.
3. Mary and the beloved disciple · John 19:26–27
When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.
How can we care faithfully for people entrusted to us?
Pause for silent prayer.
Let us continue our prayer together.
4. The cry of abandonment · Matthew 27:46
And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Remain near people who are lonely, grieving, or struggling to pray.
Pause for silent prayer.
Let us continue our prayer together.
5. The thirst of Jesus · John 19:28
Afterwards, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said: I thirst.
Remember people without clean water, and all who long for friendship and justice.
Pause for silent prayer.
Let us continue our prayer together.
6. It is consummated · John 19:30
Jesus therefore, when he had taken the vinegar, said: It is consummated. And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost.
What faithful task is God asking us to carry through with love?
Pause for silent prayer.
Let us continue our prayer together.
7. Into the Father’s hands · Luke 23:46
And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And saying this, he gave up the ghost.
Entrust our lives and the dying to the Father, without denying our grief.
Pause for silent prayer.
Let us continue our prayer together.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pray along
Use the complete text above. When praying together, one person reads the Prayer leader lines and everyone joins in the responses. When praying alone, read both parts. Pause briefly between prayers.
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