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Stations of the
Cross (a labyrinth is a path that winds itself into a specific pattern. Unlike a maze, a prayer labrynth is a path that weaves itself to the center, and then back out again. This spiritual journey which dates back to the twelfth century, can be enhanced by the thematic selection of art or artifacts that remind one of the sacred. Benefits include the use of body movement; a chance to cleanse oneself through examination and confession; the freedom of movement to praise and thank God; to open oneself to God=s wisdom and insight; and to experience the presence of God) The Way of the Cross: Opening Prayer: Mercifully assist me, O Lord God of my salvation, that I may remember with joy the mighty acts whereby you have given me life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. First Station "Jesus Is Condemned to Death" "As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate spoke to the crowd: 'What do you wish me to do with the man you call the king of the Jews?' They shouted back, 'Crucify him!' Pilate said to them, 'Why, what evil has he done?' But they shouted all the more, 'Crucify him!' So, after flogging Jesus, Pilate handed him over to be crucified," Mark 15:1,12-15. Prayer: Almighty God, your Son our Savior suffered at the hands of sinners and endured the shame of the cross. Grant that we may walk in the way of his cross and find it the way of life and peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Personal Insights: Second Station "Jesus Takes Up His Cross" "Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went out to the place called The Place of the Scull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honor and glory and blessing," John 19:17; Hebrews 5:8; Acts 8:32; Revelation 5:12. Prayer: Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Personal Insights: Third Station "The Cross is Laid on Simon of Cyrene" "As they led Jesus away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light," Luke 23:26; Matthew 16:24; 11:29-30. Prayer: Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Personal Insights: Fourth Station "Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem" "A great number of the people followed Jesus, and among them were women who were wailing for him. Jesus turned to them and said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children,'" Luke 23:27-28. Prayer: Teach your church, O Lord, to mourn the sins of which it is guilty, and to repent and forsake them; that, by your pardoning grace, the results of our iniquities may not be visited upon our children and our children's children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Personal Insights: Fifth Station "Jesus is Stripped of His Garments" "When they came to a place called Golgotha, they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. The soldiers divided his garments among them by casting lots. This was to fulfill what the scripture says, 'They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots,'" Matthew 27:34; John 19:23-24. Prayer: O God, your Son chose the path which led to pain before joy and the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Personal Insights: Sixth Station "Jesus is Nailed to the Cross" "When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Jesus; and with him they crucified two criminals, one on the right, and one on the left. He poured out himself to death, and yet he bore the sin of many." Matthew 27:33,38; Mark 15:27; John 19:17 Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace. So clothe us in you Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your name. Amen. Personal Insights: Seventh Station "Jesus Dies on the Cross" "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold your son.' The he said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother.' And when Jesus had received the vinegar he said, 'It is finished!' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:26, 30 Prayer: O God, you have your only Son to suffer death o the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, so that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen. Personal Insights: Eighth Station "Jesus is Laid in the Tomb" "When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So 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. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb." Matthew 27:57-60 Prayer: O God, your blessed Son was laid in a tomb in a garden, and rested on the Sabbath day. Grant that we who have been buried with him in the waters of baptism may find our perfect rest in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Personal Insights: |
