stations of the cross...page 3 of 12 the zstations of the cross [ is a journey and devotion...

of 12

Stations of the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

of 12

The ‘Stations of the Cross’ is a journey and devotion depicting the journey Jesus on his way to his crucifixion. Pilgrims in Jerusalem can follow 14 stations on the ‘Via Dolorosa’ depicting Jesus’ journey, pausing at each one to pray, to reflect and to read from the bible. The aim is to help individuals and groups make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. Many people find this an uplifting and a spiritual experience and may undertake the Station of the Cross either individually or as part of a group. Many people will follow these devotions during Lent, and especially so on Good Friday as we prepare to recall Jesus’ suffering on his journey to Calvary. Whilst the actual ‘Via Dolorosa’ is in Jerusalem, participating in ‘Stations of the Cross’ is not limited to Jerusalem, and can be undertaken individually or as part of a group, either at home, or in Church, as we journey together in reflection and prayer.

of 12

Stations of the Cross

1 Jesus is sentenced to death Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. Matthew 27: 20-26

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should l do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, 'Let him be crucified!’ Then he asked, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’ So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘l am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.’ So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Leader Lord, for the times we have washed our hands of our responsibilities. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to have the courage to do what we know to be right. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we blame others for our actions. All Lord, have mercy.

Lord, heal our memories of those occasions when we have been wrongly accused, and help us forgive those who have judged us unjustly. Amen.

of 12

2 Jesus receives his cross

Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Matthew 27: 27-31

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Leader Lord, for the times we are disgruntled and complain about our lot. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we mock and ridiculed others. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we punish others, loading them with burdens. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of the injuries we've felt from the words and actions of others. Amen.

3. Jesus falls for the first time


Hebrews 2:17-18

Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Leader Lord, for the times we have caused others to fall. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to show compassion. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we are no support to our brothers and sisters. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of the hurt our pride has suffered. Help us not to be too proud to ask forgiveness of those we have hurt. Amen.

of 12

4 Jesus meets his mother Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. Luke 1:30-33

The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Leader Lord, for the times we have not accepted your Word. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we have allowed the troubles and trials of the day to get the better of us.

All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we have been too full of our own importance. All Lord, have mercy.

Lord, heal us of all fear, give us the wisdom to know your will and the strength to carry it out. Amen.

5 Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. Matthew 27: 32

As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. Leader Lord, for the times we fail to help to carry other people's burdens. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to share whatever you have given us. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we do not welcome strangers. All Lord, have mercy.

Lord, heal our lack of openness to others. Help us to make the first move to welcome others. Amen.

of 12

6 Veronica wipes the face of Jesus


Matthew 25: 35-40

‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was imprisoned and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to see you in our neighbour. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to show hospitality. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to see the needs of others. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of the prejudices that prevent us from reaching out to others. Amen.

7 Jesus falls for the second time


Isaiah 53: 5-6

He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Leader Lord, for the times we have wounded others. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we have preferred to go our own way. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we have exaggerated the faults of others. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of all resentments. Help us to bring your peace and healing to those we have wounded. Amen.

of 12

8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem


Luke 23:27-28

A great number of the people followed him, an among them were women who were beating the breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to comfort those in need. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we are lacking in generosity. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we do not listen to people. All Lord, have mercy.

Lord, fill with your healing love, each moment of our lives where there has been a lack of love. Fill us with your love so that we may share it with others. Amen.

9 Jesus falls for the third time


1 Peter 2: 22-24

‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in hi: mouth.’ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that free from sins, we might live in righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Leader Lord, for the times we have accused others falsely. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we have been untruthful. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we have retaliated unjustly. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of all the insults that have crippled us. Help us, Lord, to be gentle with others. Amen.

of 12

10 Jesus is stripped of his garments Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. John 19: 23-24

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ Leader Lord, for our immodest thoughts and actions. All Lord, have mercy. Leader Lord, for the sharpness of our tongues. All Christ, have mercy. Leader Lord, for our impatience with others. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of all that we are ashamed. Drive all evil far from us, Lord. Amen.

11 Jesus is nailed to the cross Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. Luke 23: 33-34

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ Leader Lord, for the times we fail to forgive others. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we crucify others. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we turn our backs on you. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of all our jealousy, of all that binds and cripples us. Amen.

of 12

12 Jesus dies on the Cross Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. Luke 23: 44-46

It was about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. Leader Lord, for the times we fail to give ourselves to you. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to commit ourselves to others. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to allow others to be themselves. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, with the power of your Spirit. May you so live in us that we may be used to give new life to those around us. Amen.

13 Jesus is taken down from the Cross Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. John 19: 38

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Leader Lord, for the times we fail to turn to you for healing. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to admit that we know you. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times our silence and inaction have offended or misled others. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, of all humiliation. Make us the people you want us to be. Amen.

of 12

14 Jesus is laid in the tomb Leader We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. All Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world. John 19:40-42

They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. Leader Lord, for the times we fail to trust in the power of your resurrection. All Lord, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we fail to respect the thoughts and customs of others. All Christ, have mercy.

Leader Lord, for the times we disturb the peace you came to bring. All Lord, have mercy.

Heal us, Lord, with the peace and joy of your love. Use us to bring your healing to my brothers and sisters. Amen.

Collect: Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

of 12

Some material in this booklet, is Copyright from the following sources:

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England: © The Archbishops’ Council 2000 NRSV Bible verses © National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America

Photographs © M Weaver

stations of the cross...page 3 of 12 the zstations of the cross [ is a journey and devotion...

Documents