The Stations of the Cross are traditionally prayed alongside visual depictions. At each stop, or station, the reader pauses to remember and reflect on the events of Christ’s passion.

However you pray this liturgy, whether alone or with your family or with a small group through digitally connected ways, we encourage you to ask the following questions as you look at each image:

• What do you see?
• What does it make you think and feel?
• How does it help you to understand the passion of Jesus better?
• How might this image of Christ’s suffering connect to your own or to others’?

Lastly, whether you “walk” this Stations journey alone or with others, give yourself permission to take time to focus on each word of the scripture and prayers. Allow yourself space for silence between sections. The Stations are a meditative journey, and as we silence and slow ourselves in prayer, the Holy Spirit has room to move in our hearts and minds and to transform us into the life of Jesus.

Opening Prayer

As you begin this journey with Christ, consider lighting a candle or placing a cross in front of you in order to mark this journey with a physical symbol of Christ’s presence with you. If you are praying this with others, you might take turns reading the designated Scripture out loud. You may also wish to give space for extemporaneous prayers along the way—prayers for yourself but also prayers for the brokenness that you witness in the world.

Response

The sign of the cross may be made slowly and deliberately.

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Scripture

“Jesus came with his disciples to a country place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit down here, while I go over there and pray.”  Then he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and he began to be saddened and exceedingly troubled.  He said to them, “My soul is sad, even unto death.  Wait here and watch with me.”  He went forward a little, and falling prostrate he prayed, saying, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; yet not as I will but as you will.” (Matthew 26:36-39)

Prayer

All: Almighty and Eternal Father, accept our prayer of thanksgiving for your Beloved Son, our Savior and Lord.  As we recall his Sacred Passion, send the Spirit of Christ into our hearts, so that whether we pray or work, we might do all in union with Christ our Redeemer.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ Again the high priest began to ask him, and said to him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”  And Jesus said to him, “I am.  And you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”  But the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further need have we of witnesses?  You have heard the blasphemy.  What do you think?” And they all condemned him as liable to death. (Mark 14:61-64)

+ So Pilate gave his verdict; He handed Jesus over. (Luke 23:24, 25)

Response

Leader: God spared not his only Son.

All: But delivered him up for all of us.

Prayer

All: All Powerful and Eternal God, for proclaiming the truth, your Son, Jesus Christ, is condemned to death by crucifixion.  Stir up your love in our hearts so that we might be ever faithful to all that You have told us, and fear nothing more than the loss of your friendship through sin.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.  So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).  (John 19:14-17)

+ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.  (John 10:17-18)

Response

Leader: The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

All: For the wickedness of his people he has stricken him.

Prayer

All: Father in heaven, your Son, Jesus Christ, still carries his Cross in his persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the world.  Make us feel the needs of all persons so that we might as readily help them as we would help Jesus himself.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.  (Isaiah 63:2-5)

+ Are you the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it?  (Matthew 23:37)

Response

Leader: Surely he has borne our infirmities.

All: And he has carried our sorrows.

Prayer

All: Almighty God and Father, we confess that we are weak, and that we often fail in the midst of trials and suffering.  Through the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, your only begotten Son, give us new courage and hope.  We ask this in Jesus’ Name, who lives and reigns for ever.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.  (John 19:25-27)

+ A sword will pierce your own soul too! (Luke 2:35)

Response

Leader: A sword of sorrow has pierced your soul.

All: And has filled your heart with bitter pain.

Prayer

All: Blessed Lord, at your passion a sword of sorrow pierced the loving heart of your mother as Simeon had foretold.  Grant that we who look back on her sorrows might receive the healing fruits of your sufferings.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Scripture

+ And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). (Mark 15:20-22)

+ I have lost all means of escape; there is no one who cares for my life.  (Psalm 141:5)

Response

Leader: Whoever does not carry his cross and come after me,

All: Cannot be my disciple.

Prayer

All: O God of grace and might, accept our prayers and sacrifices, and be moved to have mercy on us.  Strengthen us in our weakness, so that our rebellious wills may yield to your divine will in all things.  This we ask you, through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40)

+ “When was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison?” (Matthew 25:44)

Response

Leader: Turn not your face from us.

All: And withdraw not your servants in your anger.

Prayer

All: O God, renew us according to your own image and likeness by the precious blood of Jesus Christ your Son.  Guide our footsteps in your paths, that we may truly experience the gift of your divine charity.  This we ask through the same Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants?

For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. (Isaiah 53:4-6)

+ He has borne our infirmities, carried our diseases. (Isaiah 53:4)

Response

Leader: But I am a worm and not a man.

All: The reproach of men and the outcast of the people.

Prayer

All: Lord Jesus Christ, you shared in our weaknesses and accepted our guilt.  Grant us the favor of rejoicing over our human weaknesses, so that in all we do, Your strength, dwelling in us, may be shown to all others.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:27-30)

+ “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. (Luke 23:28)

Response

Leader: They who sow in tears,

All: Shall reap in joy.

Prayer

All:  Beloved Jesus, with tears of pity these women of Jerusalem responded to You, broken, bruised, and beaten, on the road to Calvary.  Deepen our faith, so that we may see You in our brothers and sisters, bruised by our envy, beaten down by injustice, and broken by our greed and indifference.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (Psalm 119:25-28)

+ Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust. (Psalm 26:3)

Response

Leader: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter.

All: He was mute as a lamb before the shearer.

Prayer

All: Guard us, O God on High, by your ever-present mercy and goodness.  Without your help, we cannot overcome the evil that beckons us; without you we shall surely fall.  Help us to avoid all that is sinful, and guide our steps in the way of all that is profitable for our sanctification.  This we ask you through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ They gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” (Matthew 27:24-25)

+ Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none. (Psalm 69:20)

Response

Leader: They gave me gall for my food.

All: And in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Prayer

All: Strip us, Lord Jesus, of our former self, with its evil deeds and ways.  And clothe us with that newness of nature which you have created in justice, holiness, and truth.  This we ask you now living and reigning forever.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:33-34)

+ They crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. (John 19:18)

Response

Leader: They have pierced my hands and feet.

All: They have numbered all my bones.

Prayer

All: Lord and Savior, you have told us that we too must accept crucifixion if we are to accept resurrection with you. Help us to rejoice in the sufferings that come with the fulfillment of our daily duties, seeing in them the royal road of the cross to the resurrection. Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:44-46)

+ Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. (Mark 15:37)

Response

Leader: Christ for our sake became obedient unto death.

All: Even death on a cross.

Prayer

All:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.  Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. (John 19:38)

+Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. (Matthew 27:54-56)

Response

Leader: Tears are on our cheeks.

All: And there is none to comfort us.

Prayer

All: Beloved Savior, you returned to the Father all that He had given You, so that he might restore all to You a hundred-fold in the glorious resurrection. Help us to give generously of ourselves, that like You we might be made perfect in the new resurrection. Amen.

Response

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture

+ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” (John 19:33-37)

+ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”  After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. (John 19:33-38)

+ Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. (Matthew 27:59)

Response

Leader: For you will not leave my soul in Sheol.

All: Nor will you let your holy one see corruption.

Prayer

All: Almighty and Eternal God, on the edge of sadness when all seemed lost, You restored to us the Savior we thought defeated and conquered.  Help us to empty ourselves of self-concern that we might see your hand in every failure and your victory in every defeat.  These things we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Closing Prayer

All: We believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Amen.

Leader: Let us bless the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Artists:

A sincere thanks to artist Laura James for her beautiful paintings, and the Rev. Dr. W. David O. Taylor for writing and compiling the liturgy. 

Liturgy Resources:

Haskell, Norman.  Stations of the Cross: I Am There.  St. Anthony Messenger Press.  Cincinnati, Ohio.  2003.

Rouanet, Marie.  The Way of the Cross: The Women of Jerusalem Follow Jesus.  The Liturgical Press. Collegeville, Minnesota.  1986.

The Stations of the Cross: A Scriptural Version.  Barton-Cotton, Inc.  Baltimore, Maryland.  1965.

The Way of the Cross.  The Liturgical Press.  Collegeville, Minnesota.  1978.

The Way of the Cross as composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori.  Barton-Cotton, Inc.  Baltimore, Maryland.  1977.

The Way of the Cross: Traditional Jerusalem Stations.  Archdioces of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.  Chicago, Illinois.  2003.