In 2002, Darton, Longman and Todd published the book and CD Seven Words for the 21st Century, based on the traditional format of using Christ's 'Seven Last Words from the Cross' for devotional meditation through Lent and Easter. Following its success and building on its use as a basis for study groups and liturgy, as well as for personal study and meditation, this new and expanded resource provides further materials for both public and private worship. Seven Words for Three Hours can be used in its entirety as a Good Friday three hours devotion, and is designed to take between two to three hours to perform, or it can be adapted for other forms of public worship as required. It can also be used by individuals for private meditation on Good Friday, or dipped into during Lent or Passiontide for shorter periods of reflection. Suggestions are also given for using the material as a basis for a Lent study group. Seven Words for Three Hours includes original contributions from Rowan Williams, Richard Harries, Edmund Newell, Giles Fraser and Tarjei Park, along with new reflections and meditations from Sabina Alkire and Lucy Winkett.
The music has been completely re-recorded, and includes several new pieces by Adrian Snell, working with cellist Hannah Alkire and guitarist Joe Scott.