Themes in this impressive service include:
- Temptation
- One Ran Away
- False Witness
- Tears
- A Crowd Stirred Up
- Struck... Mocked... Crucified
- Darkness Over the Land
- Lingering Light
Clergy may lead the service, or as many as eight lay readers may be included (sixteen if the scripture and the meditations are divided).
Stephen V. Doughty is an ordained Presbyterian minister, serving the Northwest Area of the Kiskiminetas Presbytery. He lives in Clarion, Pennsylvania.